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L1J5RARY oif (."HOIOE FICTION.— Monthly. .fO.Ol) annually. No. 74, May, 189t. 
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THB DUKB 

OF ARCANUM 


A NOVBb 


B-y 

FRANK 6ARLETON BONG 

\i 

Author of “The Lady of the Lens,” 



Chicago 

LAIRD & LEE, Publishers 







COPYRIGHT, 1894, BY FRANK CARLETON LONG 
(ALIi RIGHTS RESERVED.) 


PREFACE. 


Or all the attributes of the human heart the greatest is 
charity ; and yet how few of us can pause in the midst of our 
successes in life to cast a thought to those objects of distress 
who see nothing but the dark side of existence, and know little 
of the joys and comfort^ to which they should as rightfully be 
heirs as any others of the human family. Are they selected and 
condemned to a life of penury by an inexorable predestination? 
No. Then circumstances are alone responsible for their mis- 
eries, and the amelioration of those conditions are acts which 
place such characters as Stanley Edgcumb in the ranks of the 
greatest benefactors of the race. If the noble purposes and 
philanthropic philosophy of this man is understood by the 
reader, and his acts contrasted with those to whom abundance 
is but the synonym of avarice, then the labor bestowed upon the 
writing of this volume may not have been utterly wasted, as the 
world is always bettered, even by the most modest of ideas, if 
they convey to the intellect some humble truth or lesson, which, 
taking root, lifts the soul up to brighter glimpses of human con- 
ceits, volitions and purposes. The charity of Edgcumb was 
largely the charity of the teachings of Christ. He was not one 
of that numerous class who, being blessed with a superabund- 
ance of wealth, seek to leave some colossal monument to their 
bones by the endowment of some notable enterprise in the direc- 
tion of a college, a hospital, or a school of technology; but he 
believed in extending a helping hand to those oppressed by mis- 
fortune and the bitter afflictions of a dire and relentless pov- 
erty; or, in other words, of seeking misery where it actually 
exists, and, by generous deeds, to warm the soul with gratitude, 
and lead it out of the lugubrious shadows which envelop it 
into the strong light of hope and better aspirations^ And how 

7 


vii 


PBEFACE. 


much more real happiness is caused by the worthy distribution 
of a fortune in those channels of penury than by the endowment 
of some great library of reference, whose shelves are burdened 
with a collection of rare and costly volumes, not one of which 
one in a thousand ever sees, and in which these miserables have 
no earthly interest! Edgcumb had himself tasted those bitter 
woes which so frequently engulf the victim in an abyss of gloom, 
indurating the heart alike against God and man. But his strong 
soul had risen out of it, and when prosperity came he did not 
forget the state to which, by a sad fate, so many of his fellow- 
beings had fallen, and the millions with which a wise providence 
had invested him became the benefactions to the needy, and an 
unostentatious charity, almost prodigal in its application, 
guided the heart and hand of this princely dispenser of alms. 
Oh, that the world contained more Edgcumbs! How much 
brighter would it be for countless creatures, to whom Death is 
the most welcome visitor, and the grave their only refuge. 

The Author. 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE LOST MESSAGE. 

Ohe morning in the latter part of September^ 1870, a young 
man of about thirty years of age, of medium stature, with a 
clean-shaven face, and respectably, though not nattily attired, 
might have been observed walking at a brisk gait along one of 
the crowded thoroughfares of Chicago, toward the central part 
of the city. The cooling breezes of an early autumn, gently 
wafted from the waters of Lake Michigan, fell gratefully upon 
the inhabitants, and Stanley Edgcumb seemed susceptible of 
its invigorating influence like all the rest. 

The streets were teeming with their usual life and activity, 
thronged with pedestrians, cars, trucks and vehicles of every 
description. The current of this early throng was in the same 
direction, toward the centers of trade, for it was made up of the 
toilers in all of those multifarious industries which constitute a 
great city. 

Edgcumb, however, did not drift with the current, but with 
an elastic step pressed forward, crossed the river, and in a few 
minutes entered a tall building which was conspicuous from the 
perfect maze of wires which rose from lofty poles to the roof of 
the structure. It was the central office of the Continental 
Telegraph Company. 

Upon the upper floor of this structure there was a large hall, 
well lighted by windows and sky-lights, whose walls reverber- 
ated the roar and clash of nearly five hundred noisy instru- 
ments — a perfect babel of electric voices from the remotest 
parts of the land, telling, in that mysterious tongue, a language 
of dots and dashes, tales which concerned the domestic, polit- 
ical and commercial relations of a nation. 


9 


10 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


Long rows of tables, divided by glass partitions which ran 
lengthwise and crosswise, completely tilled this great ball from 
wall to wall. On one side a square shaft extended from the 
floor, through the roof, to a height of several feet above, form- 
ing a shapely tower, through which a labyrinth of wires were 
conducted to the switchboard, upon the exterior of this shaft, 
within easy reach of the floor. 

There was a scene of animation among the corps of telegra- 
phers which was preparatory to a commencement of the long 
hours of application before them. Some had already entered 
upon their diurnal duties, while others were standing by the 
windows, gazing down at the diminutive life in the streets below, 
or out upon the flat roofs that stretched in an endless sea before 
the eye, until they seemed to fade away in the distance, or dis- 
appear in the smoky haze of the atmosphere. 

A conspicuous feature of this scene was a little knot of jovial 
spirits who were convulsed with merriment from watching the 
eccentricities of James Kye, a young man of seemingly fatuous 
intellect, who had but a few minutes before taken a seat near 
his instrument. It is invariably the case in a large assembly of 
either men or women, that some particular individual becomes 
a recognized character of the society. In the present instance 
James Kye had received the distinguished consideration from 
his co-laborers of being the character of the oflQce, but this 
signal recognition only seemed to entitle him to the scoffs, 
flouts and derision of his associates. There was always a 
strange interest centered in his grotesque actions. When 
unoccupied he would fall into spells of abstraction, and at such 
times his motions were so maladroit, and his facial expressions 
so absurd and ludicrous, that it seemed difficult to account for 
them without ascribing them to moments of irrationality. There 
was a rapid succession of odd changes of countenance and 
gesticulations. Thrusting his hand through his hair, his eyes 
intently fixed in a vacant gaze, he would appear calm and 
thoughtful ; then perhaps a sudden jerk of the head to the 
right or left would follow ; the eyelids would move rapidly and 
a smile spread over his face, broadening into a grin. His whole 
being would then seem to be in a state of animation, his eyes 
(aglow, and bis Ups moving as if io actual speech, Those hitting 


THE LOST MESSAGE. 


11 


changes of countenance came and went to a wonderful degree. 
He seemed like one in the attitude of an earnest conversation 
with a living being before him. Then, waving his hand 
imperiously, his eyes would lose their luster, his head sink help- 
lessly upon his hand, and his tongue protrude from the mouth, 
a general expression of idiocy settling upon his features. In 
the next instant, perhaps, there came a click, click, click from 
his instrument, and he was aroused. Seizing his pen or pencil 
and turning to the table, he once more became a rational being 
like those around him. It seemed as if there were a ceaseless 
struggle for supremacy between reason and its dethroning 
agencies. His mind was clear in the performance of his duties. 
His work was executed in a faultless way, and no errors were 
ever attributed to him. He was silent and uncommunicative to 
those around him, living in the seclusion of his own thoughts, 
bearing the gibes of his fellow operators with composure, and 
scarcely betraying to the most critical observer the fact that 
he was even conscious of them. 

The cause of these strange manifestations was not a mental 
aberration, but the mysterious result of some nervous debility 
which so affected him as to cause his passing thoughts and emo- 
tions to be thus outwardly mirrored upon his countenance. 

Eye had just given one of those peculiar exhibitions, accom- 
panied by a wave of the hand and a snapping of the fingers, as 
if he had suddenly found the solution of some intricate problem 
as Jack Coulter joined the little knot of merry-makers. 

“ Eureka ! he exclaimed as Kye^s hand came down, and, 
suiting the action to the word, he struck a comical attitude in 
mimicry of the eccentric operator. 

A laugh followed. 

Yes, he has found it, said another, who was equally anxious 
to participate in the fun. 

“ But see, boys, he^s lost it again. Now he^s growing more 
tragic, said still another. 

The imbecile ! I wonder if he basnet been studying his 
Koyal Nibs the Prince of Denmark for eccentricities. See, he 
strikes a new fancy ; he sees the phantom of the king. ^Angels 
and ministers of Grace defend us ! Be thou a spirit of health or 
gobhn damned % ^ Let^s hire a hall. 


12 


TEE EVKE OF ABGANEM, 


The merriment which these poignant taunts evoked became 
fairly uproarious and attracted others to the group. Kye, how- 
ever, did not appear to take notice of his tormentors, but lapsed 
again into a contemplative state. 

“ The poor devil donT seem to understand, or else he plays 
his madness in even a subtler way than the Dane himself. 
Sublime, isn^t it, boys? He would make a fine ^crushed tra- 
gedian.^ What a pity we haven’t a skull to give him for a 
plaything! He could poise it upon the tips of his fingers and 
exclaim: ‘Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him well, Horatio. A 
fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.’ ” 

“But he’d be more likely to use it for an inkstand. Jack,” 
suggested one of the bystanders. 

“Or a cuspidore,” suggested still another voice, which had 
not yet been heard. 

“ A cuspidore! Humph ! It’s a pity we couldn’t make use of 
his pate for some such purpose ; it’s all it’s good for, it’s so infer- 
nal crazy,” returned Coulter. 

“Cracked, you mean, don’t you?” asked the same voice 
laughingly. 

“ Cracked! You’ve hit it, Tom. It’s so badly cracked it 
wouldn’t make a cuspidore; it wouldn’t hold the juice.” 

A burst of merriment followed from a dozen voices. There 
was one, however, who stood a silent witness of these ofiensive 
proceedings without applauding them. It was Stanley Edg- 
cumb. He had joined the group just in time to hear Coulter’s 
first exclamation, but he turned away in disgust at this vulgar- 
ism and seated himself in a chair near by. He felt a deep 
sympathy aroused for the friendless operator, and he was deter- 
mined upon interfering if the matter was carried to any greater 
length. 

These merciless thrusts were still unheeded. They fell like 
shafts impinging on a wall. To have touched him on the shoul- 
der would have aroused Kye to a comprehension of any indig- 
nity; but under the spell these singular manifestations came 
and went, dulling the sensitiveness of his nature for the time, 
and rendering him incapable of impression by few exterior 
demonstrations. 

Jack Coulter, whose gibes had thus provoked the mirth of 


THE LOST MESSAGE. 


13 


those standing near, was a young man of about twenty-six or 
twenty- seven years, of dark, almost swarthy complexion, and 
piercing black eyes which had a restless look. He had a round, 
shapely head, but rather a low forehead ; a thin, straight nose 
and a kind of contemptuous look about the mouth. His face 
was intelligent, clearly denoting that he was a person of consid- 
erable ability. He was off-hand and brusque, and was looked 
upon as somewhat of a leader in those elements of society in 
which he floated. He was a complete master of his art, and 
was credited with being one of the finest telegraphers in the 
company’s service. His transmission of the Morse characters 
was said to be so rapid that he had never found one capable of 
receiving from him without frequent interruptions. He prided 
himself much upon his achievements and enjoyed his supremacy, 
or reign of terror, upon the wires, for few had the temerity to 
work with him. 

As Coulter stood looking at Kye, annoyed at his failure to 
provoke his resentment, the bystanders could not fail to notice 
a look of still deeper mischief in his eye, and a knowing wink 
passed from one to another. 

Wake him up, Jack,^^ whispered one of his companions 
sufficiently audible for only those nearest to hear. 

“Pm afraid hefll bite if I touch him,^^ Coulter answered. 
Then glancing again in the direction of the unfortunate man, 
he seemed to think of the readiness with which he was aroused 
by the sounds of his instrument, and turning quickly about he 
exclaimed: “ Now for some fun, boys. Just watch and see him 
dance a hornpipe all over the table. 

Coulter walked toward the switchboard, and one of the oper- 
ators, divining his object, remarked : Jack is going to cut in 

on Kye^s wire and give him a shaking up. Fd rather have the 
jimjams than have him get after me with his lightning. Watch 
the poor fellow and see how rattled he gets. Hefll sweat like a 
tankard of ice-water in less than fifteen seconds, see if he don’t. ” 

Scarcely had the speaker finished than Coulter was seen to 
make some movement at the switchboard and then drop into a 
chair at a table near by. Instantly there came an agitation of 
Eye’s instrument. The strange operator was still in that abnor- 
mal state which has been described, but at the sound of his 


14 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


instrument his hand dropped heavily by his side and his eyes 
became vacant. It was only for a moment; it was the gather- 
ing of nature to assert the supremacy of reason over its under- 
mining influences. A dash of the hand across his eyes and his 
face resumed a calm and rational appearance. Then, bending 
slowly forward, he seized the key to answer the noisy signals 
which were so impatiently clamoring for his attention. 

Stop, Kye/^ exclaimed a voice, in an almost mandatory 
tone ; don^t answer that call.^^ 

Kye looked up in a bewildered way, and relaxed his hold of 
the key upon seeing Edgcumb standing by his side. 

“ Why, what^s the matter ? he asked, showing some con- 
fusion. 

They are trying to make you a butt of ridicule. There is 
an intrigue among some of these fellows to turn you into a jump- 
ing-jack and make you dance for their amusement. I like to 
see fair play and an even chance. 

Kye still seemed unable to grasp the meaning of Edgcumb’s 
words. He had been tormented so much that he felt inclined 
to look upon him also with suspicion ; but when he saw the 
earnest and kindly expression of his face he became assured 
of his friendship at once. 

“ Make me dance ? Who ? What for ? Kye asked in a 
rambling way. 

“ Jack Coulter has gone over to cut in on your wire and rush 
you out of your boots. Those fellows are standing around to 
see the fun and laugh at you. Let me sit down in that chair 
before you answer the call, and we will tell Mr. Coulter to go 
ahead with his amusement. 

Without another word Kye shuffled out of his seat. He was 
only too glad to let Edgcumb take the punishment, for he knew 
what it meant when Jack Coulter put himself about any such a 
matter as that. With his face beaming with smiles he drew a 
chair to Edgcumb^s side, then, turning toward the group of 
merry-makers, he put his thumb to his nose and twirled his 
fingers at them. The answer came in a volley of gibes and 
grimaces in mockery of his peculiarities. 

Pklgcumb was cool and determined. The little group, which 
had but a moment before been so hilarious, was now amazed 


TBE LOST MESSAGE. 


15 


upon seeing Edgcumb take Kye^s place at the instrument, for, 
being a person of indisputable ability, they saw it was probable 
that, instead of a burlesque, there would be a battle — a battle 
between two giants of the telegraphic art, perhaps such as had 
never been seen before. The scoffers and mockers were silenced 
into respect, and, instead of the mischievous grin which had 
been so noticeable upon their faces, there was now a look of 
unusual interest, and they gathered near to watch the result. 

Taking a pen from the table Edgcumb leisurely commenced to 
arrange the message blanks lying scattered before him. Again 
there came a rattling sound from the instrument of the shortest 
possible duration, but the practiced ear of the operator read 
only this word, Who? 

‘‘‘ Turn around and youdl see,^^ answered Edgcumb, with his. 
key. 

Being seated with his back to Kye^s table. Coulter had not 
perceived the change that had taken place, but upon receiving 
this reply he turned and saw that he was foiled; and, being 
stung to the quick by the laugh which the little coterie turned 
upon him, his dark eyes flashed resentment. 

“ Are you satisfied? Edgcumb demanded over the wire. 

Coulter, without replying to the question, asked in the same 
manner: What right have you to interfere and spoil a little 
fun ? 

The same that any gentleman has to protect another from 
imposition, the answer was flashed back. If you can get 
any satisfaction from rushing a man, go ahead, make me your 
victim, and don’t take a man who is almost a mental wreck.” 

With the gauntlet thus thrown down to him, Coulter could 
not well avoid accepting the challenge. 

Buzz-z-z-z, flew the armature of the instrument as came 
Coulter’s reply. 

“ Whew ! Coulter’s got his dander up now. Just hear that 
sounder rattle. I’d hate to try and catch it and put it down,” 
one of the listeners exclaimed. 

Edgcumb read the response : ‘‘I’d pay you mighty quick for 
your interference if I had you on a wire where you couldn’t get 
away and had to take it.” 

Don’t flatter yourself that I am afraid of you. You have 


IC THE LUKE OF AECAHVM. 

the crowd here that you were going to amuse ; go on with your 
amusement. 

Again there came a buzz-z-z-z. The armature fluttered 
with greater intensity than before, and the dashes flew with 
the rapidity of— what Lightning? The very elements of 
lightning carried them. Was it then with the rapidity of 
thought? Thought, indeed, could scarcely keep pace with 
this human intelligence, yet seemingly so unintelligible, manl- 
iest only in a confused clatter, but caught by the trained fac- 
ulty of man, to whom it seemed as commonplace as language 
itself, and dexterously committed to paper. 

The little group of telegraphers gathered closely around, 
increasing momentarily in size and excitement. The report of 
the contest having spread to all parts of the room, many left 
their tables and gathered about, anxious to see the receiver, or to 
get within sound of his instrument. 

As the bewildering whirl commenced, Edgcumb coolly dipped 
his pen in the ink, and with two or three graceful movements of the 
hand began to write. He was noted for the beauty of his pen- 
manship and was counted among the very best in his profession, 
not only for his swiftness with a pen, but for his keen perception 
of the many intricacies of his art. He had often displayed his 
skill as a receiver to the astonishment of his confreres, but it was 
scarcely deemed possible to follow with a pen the remarkable 
transmission of the man who was then flashing the characters at 
him with such speed that many of those standing near were 
unable to form a lucid idea of what was coming. What was 
their admiration, then, as they saw him sitting so calmly, mak- 
ing those graceful sweeps and curves with his pen, rounding out 
every letter and every word in the most artistic manner. 

Faster and faster the dots and dashes flew, yet there was no 
break or interruption by the receiver. There was a breathless 
silence among the spectators. The roar of the instruments 
throughout the room seemed to have greatly diminished in 
consequence of so many having left their places. Coulter grew 
desperate. His face became flushed and pale alternately under 
the excitement. He roused himself to such a supreme eflbrt 
that it seemed as if his whole frame was a quivering mass of 


THE LOST MESSAGE. 17 

nerves, but to no purpose. He had found in Stanley Edgcumb, 
for the first time, one who was able to cope with him. 

“Twenty words behind/^ whispered one who w^as bending 
near, following every character with his ear and every motion 
of the pen with his eye. 

“ What, do you mean it for a fact? asked another, peering 
over the shoulders of those in front. 

“ Yes; he^s copying twenty words behind, the man replied. 

The questioner, who had seemed to doubt the assertion, 
pushed out of the crowd and, making a dash for Coulter’s table, 
exclaimed, as he reached it: “Crowd him. Jack, crowd him; 
he’s twenty words behind. You’ll break him yet.” 

Coulter heard the excited voice without an outward appear- 
ance of eflect, but he was, nevertheless, inspired by it. He was 
under such a tremendous strain that the least inattention 
would have been fatal to his hopes. Gazing fixedly at the paper 
before him, his fingers quivering under the intensity of his 
manipulation, for a moment his terrific pace was fairly 
bewildering. Those who were gathered about Edgeumb’s table 
now looked at each other in amazement, and the man who had 
kept watch upon him turned again and whispered: “ Twenty- 
five words behind.” 

Twenty-five words behind ! That sentence was full of signi- 
ficance to those who heard it. They could fully appreciate the 
wonders of such a feat. Can the reader comprehend it also ? 
When we stop to consider the close similarity of many of the 
characters, and the acute perception which is necessary to 
follow them, even at an ordinary rate of transmission, we can 
conceive of the wonderful activity of the mind in translating 
them at the rate at which Edgeumb was receiving from Coulter. 
This in itself seems marvelous, but when it is coupled with the 
feat of following the transmitter with a pen, through a lengthy 
message, twenty-five words behind it becomes much more so. 
It severely taxes the mental resources and demonstrates the 
capabilities of the mind probably as great as any other human 
act, as a brief analysis will show. 

In the performance of such a feat, there must, of necessity, be 
a multiplex action of thought. The supposition is general that 
the mind is capable of thinking of but one thing at a time, but 


18 


THE DUKE OE AltCANUM, 

this very act proves to the contrary, or else there is some 
mysterious operation of storing away unconsciously in the brain, 
from certain impressions, while the process of thought in acting 
upon them is going on. As Edgcumb was writing down one 
word, Coulter was on the twenty-sixth in advance of him. 
What, then, had become of the twenty-five which he had trans- 
mitted, but which the receiver had not yet copied? Were they 
stored away in bis memory to be called up as wanted ? If so, 
when thought was engaged in calling them up and connecting 
them -with the theme, the mind would be a blank to others 
which were crowding so hotly for a place on the tablets of 
memory unless there was a multiplex action of thought, for it 
must be remembered that those words were ever changing with 
the most startling rapidity. Thought is necessary in the spell- 
ing of every word; and thought, too, must guide every motion 
of the pen which writes them down. These thoughts must all 
act simultaueousl3^ They must be constantly occupied with 
their respective duties, and there must be a governing intelli- 
gence to watch over them, for if they become mixed in their 
parts this wonderful complex action must break down and 
come to a stop, like the delicate movement of a watch when one 
of its wheels becomes clogged or broken. 

These remarks may seem an unwarranted diversion, but the 
wonders of the art of telegraphy are so little understood that 
the author feels justified in familiarizing the reader with one of 
the most remarkable of them, and which is not infrequent among 
the more skillful class of telegraphers. 

The terrific strain under which both Edgcumb and Coulter 
labored could only be maintained for a few minutes. It came to 
a close as the latter reached the end of the item which he had 
been transmitting. Closing the key, he turned toward the 
crowd which surrounded Edgcumb. He had not only been 
thv arted in his designs upon Kye, but he had been signally 
defeated in the trial just ended. He could see that the excite- 
ment and admiration was entirely on the other side of the room. 
He had really surpassed all of his previous efforts and had made 
a wonderful record, but ho had not succeeded in breaking Edg- 
cumb dowm; there was the rub, and he was furious about it. 

Those who had held their timepieces in their hands and had 


THE LOST MESSAGE. 


19 


counted the sheets as they were tossed aside, announced the 
result — a record which had never been made before. So unre- 
strained now was the enthusiasm of those who had witnessed 
the contest that they seized Edgcumb and bore him triumph- 
antly about the room on their shoulders amid the plaudits of the 
entire force. 

In a few minutes the confusion had subsided and all had set- 
tled down to the routine of the day’s work. Kye had resumed 
his seat by his instrument and had lapsed again into a state of 
abstraction. The two men who had become so conspicuous by 
reason of the morning’s episode were at their accustomed places, 
one flushed with success, the other surly, disappointed and 
revengeful. Both occupied the same table, but sat upon oppo- 
site sides, facing each other. 

Stanley Edgcumb was in some respects a remarkable young 
man. He had followed the profession of a telegrapher from 
the time he was fifteen years of age, when the art was in its 
infancy. He had grown up with it and witnessed its develop- 
ment into a gigantic system, penetrating even the depths of the 
sea and reaching to the uttermost parts of the earth. His 
many years of service, with his varied opportunities, had mate- 
rially assisted in developing his intellect, for a more potent 
factor in a practical education does not exist than observation 
and experience in a great commercial telegraph office. The 
thoughts and expressions, the speeches and writings of educated 
people are flashed through the brain of the operator. He also 
sees the messages of the illiterate, and comparisons are obvi- 
ous. He acquires brevity and learns to pick out the pith and 
leave the verbiage. It brightens his intellect and stirs up his 
thoughts, for there is always something fresh for them to feed 
upon. He knows the events which are transpiring in every part 
of the world, through which he becomes familiar with its geog- 
raphy, its distinguished people and, in effect, with all questions, 
social or political, which agitate or interest at home or abroad. 
There are those in this profession, as in all others, who perform 
their work like automatons, who neglect those favorable oppor- 
tunities, whose ideas do not seem to be awakened into h state 
of advancement. There are those, too, to whom every word 
awakens a thought or a sentiment. They investigate, they 


20 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


read, they inform themselves and become educated. Edgcumb 
was one of the latter. He had profited well by those opportunities. 
His intelligent face, so full of quiet dignity, yet tempered with 
a pleasing expression, bore sufficient evidence of it. He 
appeared more thoughtful than most of those around him, and 
he was looked upon as a man of more than ordinary mental 
accomplishments. 

Edgcumb had so mastered the intricacies of his chosen art 
that it fell but little short of the marvelous. It was frequently 
told of him that by stopping the sound of his instrument, and 
by placing his hand upon the connections so as to slightly divert 
the current to his body, he could read oft* the messages by 
means of the electric pulsations at the tips of his fingers. 
Again, he would stand away where the click of his instrument 
could not reach his ear and read oft* the words, to the astonish- 
ment of the operators, by merely watching the vibrations of the 
armature. The senses of sight, hearing and feeling were all 
trained to his use in recognizing the electric manifestations. 
The mute throb of the current, or the noisy clatter of his appa. 
ratus were alike intelligible to him. 

Edgcumb and Coulter were the embodiment of perfection as 
telegraphers, but each of a difterent type. Coulter^s wonderful 
manipulation of the key was merely the result of a high degree 
of activity of the nerves and muscles, while Edgcumb’s genius 
excelled in the higher, more intricate and artistic features, such 
as require the finest distinction by the mind of almost imper- 
ceptible differences, where judgment must be swift and unerring, 
and where a mental activity is necessary which exercises the 
mind to its fullest extent. 

Edgcumb^s life was happy in the extreme. He had a wife to 
whom he was devoted, and three little children whom he ten- 
derly loved. He was contented with his profession and with his 
lot. Although he possessed qualities which fitted him for a 
higher sphere in life, yet he did not seem to care for anything 
beyond his present dependence. He was a man who was 
satisfied with his condition, humble though it was, but who, 
should circumstances thrust into the foreground of human 
affairs, would be found to possess all requirements. 

The work of the morning was soon under way. The Director- 


LOST MESSAGE:. 


21 


in-Chief, a person cold and austere — a walking icicle in fact — 
marched up and down the aisles surveying the busy scene about 
him, pausing here and there to watch the progress of the work. 
A number of electricians flitted about the switchboard, mak- 
ing or breaking connections as occasion required, while a score 
of boys of tender years darted hither and thither in the process 
of collecting and distributing messages. The hooks were filled 
and relieved rapidly. A strange admixture of human senti- 
ments were clustered upon them, and nothing could better 
illustrate the diversity of thought, emotions and interests which 
fill the world, forming by their multiplicity of phases the ever- 
changing kaleidoscope of life. The banker, whose message 
relates to monetary affairs, has no interest in the one next to it 
which tells of a life fast ebbing away, and which summons 
friends from afar to the moribund’s cot; and the man who wires 
the purchase of a cargo of grain knows nothing of the words 
beneath his own which carry congratulations to a bridal altar; 
and so on, to an interminable end, the wires are freighted with 
what in itself is called traffic, but which is a vast reflex of the 
heterogeneous matters of human concern. 

The table which Edgcumb and Coulter occupied was one of the 
busiest in the room. Both sections were in direct communica- 
tion with New York, Coulter sending upon one wire, while 
Edgcumb received upon another. The Director-in-Chief 
passed along and paused near them. He had not arrived at the 
office in time to witness the exciting scene, but it had soon 
reached his ears, for it was the only topic of conversation. He 
was secretly displeased by the demonstration over Edgcumb, 
for he was afflicted with a narrow-minded vexation at the pros- 
perity or popularity of others, delighting in keeping his men 
in a state of subordination, and posing before them as the per- 
sonification of importance, one of those misguided beings who 
flatter themselves that they are essential to the places they 
occupy, and who can see nothing outside of their own acts 
except in forms of insignificance. 

The scowl upon Coulter’s face suddenly vanished as the 
Director-iii-Chief approached. Glancing up he greeted his 
superior with a smile. 


22 


THE DUKE OF AUG AHUM, 


Addressing Edgcumb, the Director-in-Chief inquired : “ What 
was all this tumult about here before my arrival this morning 

Edgcumb stopped in his work and looked up somewhat sur- 
prised. “ It was only a trilling outburst of good-humor on the 
part of the boys. They meant nothing by it, Pm sure,^^ he 
replied. 

But what was all the fuss about, I ask f 

Simply nothing of any consequence ; merely a feat of re- 
ceiving from my friend Coulter, there. You know he is very 
rapid, Edgcumb replied, laughingly. 

“ What nonsense, said Mancel Tewkes, with a decided sneer. 
“ I should say that Coulter deserved the recognition, if anybody 
did. But I will not tolerate such exhibitions in this office. If 
I knew who were engaged in this demonstration I would, dis- 
charge every one of them. 

I am sorry, but it was no fault of mine. I could not help it. 

It was your fault ; you could help it, sir. You merely wanted 
to make a show of yourself. 

^ Nothing of the kind. I deny it,^^ answered Edgcumb, with 
some warmth. 

“ It looks very much like it to me. Let it stop right here. 
You are employed by this company to render services, not to 
make an exhibition of yourself. 

“ I have not infringed upon the company's time. 

^^Yes; but you attracted all these men away from their 
instruments. 

I fail to see how, Mr. Tewkes. I had nothing to do with 
their leaving their seats. I was hardly conscious of it until 
I was seized and carried around the room. 

“ A fine lot of idiots to make such a fuss over a thing like 
that,^^ said Mancel Tewkes, contemptuously, at the same time 
holding his head in a lofty manner and moving off down the 
aisle with the strut of a lord high admiral. 

Nothing could have gratified Coulter more tlian the rebuke 
which he had just overheard. There was an offensive look of 
scorn in his face which was unmistakable. It was open and 
bold and meant for the man opposite, but Edgcamb was uudis- 
turbcd by it. Then, leaning over and calling to a companion at 
the next table. Coulter said in a voice intended for Edgeumb^s 


THE L OST MESS A GE. 23 

ears, “ I say, Tom, the old man makes honors rather empty 
around here.^^ 

“ Yes ; he^s the cock of the walk, the operator replied, 
glancing at Edgcumb to note the effect of Coulter’s remark, and 
returning the wink which the latter had given him. 

It’s a cold day for heroes,” Coulter again suggested. 

Decidedly chilly, Jack,” came the response from the young 
man, as he gave an arch look toward his colloquist. 

Stanley had resumed his work, however, and although these 
remarks could not possibly have failed to reach his ears yet he 
appeared unconscious of having heard them. 

In a few minutes a sinister scowl again settled upon Coulter’s 
face, and he fastened a gaze full of hatred and revenge upon 
the man before him. During the whole morning he had per- 
formed his work mechanically, it being doubtful whether he 
could have identified a single message which he had transmitted. 
No, his thoughts were fixed upon another matter; and while 
his nimble fingers were manipulating the key, his brain was 
busy with the conception of a plan to rid himself of his rival, 
and revenge the interference in behalf of Kye. He saw, in fact, 
additional reasons for such a course. For several days it had 
been rumored that a promotion was soon to occur; audit was 
generally conceded that the plum would fall either to Edgcumb 
or himself. He was ambitious, and coveted the honor. He 
liked notoriety among his fellow operators. He longed for some 
position which would give him distinction over them; but since 
the demonstration of the morning he feared that his chances 
with Mancel Tewkes had become seriously affected. Such 
were his thoughts when, to his satisfaction, he heard the caustic 
reproof administered to Edgcumb and saw him smarting from its 
galling effect. He knew the disposition of his superior well; 
he knew what had prompted his action, and he felt, in a meas- 
ure, relieved, but there was still the fear that Mancel Tewkes 
might, after thinking the matter over, become convinced that 
Edgcumb was the abler and decide to appoint him to the place. 
He resolved, therefore, te get him out of the way as speedily as 
possible. He saw in the Director-in-Chiefs attitude toward 
Edgcumb tUat which would prove a strong support to hi^ 


24 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


nefjirious scheme. He watched for an opportunity to carry it 
out, and one was soon presented. 

There was a lull in the sound of Edgcumb^s instrument. He 
had stopped the sender a moment for the purpose of retir- 
ing to a cabinet Waisances in the hallway, hanging the message 
which he had just received upon the hook. Coulter followed 
his footsteps with his restless eyes until the door closed behind 
him. Glancing about, he saw that the favorable moment had 
come, for every one seemed busy. Kye alone appeared to be 
looking at him, but it was with a dull, vacant stare, while his 
features were undergoing those peculiar changes. 

He^s an imbecile ; he doiiT know what he^s looking at, 
thought Coulter, as he watched him an instant. Then, leaning 
forward, he took the message from the hook and scanned its 
contents. Although written in cipher, he nevertheless well 
knew its nature and importance by the address and signature. 
Eeaching over the glass partition, he placed it within the folds 
of Edgcumb^s newspaper, which was lying behind his instru- 
ment, muttering to himself: “ That will fix him in a way that 
he won’t bother me any more. He had better had a house fall 
on him than stand the racket he will get from old Tewkes when 
he gets on to it. I’ll see that he gets on to it, too, in good 
shape. 

Coulter chuckled as he thought of the result. Looking 
again in the direction of the door, and seeing Edgcumb return- 
ing, he applied himself to his work. When Stanley resumed 
his seat. Coulter appeared unconscious that his rival had been 
away from the sound of his instrument at all. 


CHAPTER 11. 


THE DISMISSAL. 

At the time this narrative begins there was an excited state 
of the corn market. A squeeze was being engineered by a 
clique of half a dozen redoubtable speculators. Eugene Cornell 
& Company, of New York, were among the unfortunates who 
had found themselves on the wrong side of the deal, and, in 
their anxiety to even up their account and get from under the 
pressure, they had sent a cipher dispatch to their Chicago cor- 
respondents as follows : 

“Xew Yoiik, September 25, 1870. 

“ Grummoncl & Co., Chicago : 

“ Ambrosia objective fustian glacier corpuscle geogony thrift. 

(Signed) “Eugexe Cokxell & Co.” 

Translated, it read : Buy half a million bushels of October 
corn, quietly, without exciting the market. 

It was this message which Edgeumb had received and hung 
upon the hook just before leaving bis instrument, and which 
Coulter, a moment later, had placed in the folds of the news- 
paper, his object being to delay its delivery, so that the conse- 
quences might Ml upon his rival. He considered it probable 
that Edgeumb would not discover it until he reached home in 
the evening, and that then being overwhelmed by the discov- 
ery he would destroy it rather than to make the matter known 
to Mancel Tewkes. Had the dispatch reached its destination 
promptly the order could have been successfully executed, but 
later in the day the market became active and advanced 
sharply, and when, after receiving no communication from Chi- 
cago, Cornell & Co., had used the wires of a competing line to 
ascertain the reason, and had made the astounding discovery 
that no message had been received by their correspondents, 
it was too late, and they found themselves involved to a still 
greater extent of twenty thousand dollars. 

25 


26 


THE miKE OF ARCANUM. 


As Edgciimb left the office that evening, he placed the news- 
paper in an outside pocket and walked hurriedly toward a car, 
but in stepping aboard, lost it. The ubiquitous gamin whose 
instincts are as piratical as were those of the ancient Viking, 
and who, like the vagrant little sparrow, is ever dodging under the 
hoofs of horses and the heels of pedestrians, lets nothing escape 
his notice. He saw the paper fall and it fell into his possession ; 
and as the car disappeared from view his eyes were curiously 
fixed on the unintelligible contents of the telegram. 

The officers of the company were immediately apprised of the 
non-delivery of the message, and Mancel Tewkes began an 
investigation. A duplicate copy was obtained from the New 
York office, and with this in hand he approached Edgcumb^s 
table on the following day. 

Number 91, from New York, of the 26th ; do you remember 
such a message coming on your wire yesterday ? the Director- 
in-Chief demanded, in a frigid tone of voice. 

Edgcumb was taken somewhat by surprise, but did not lose his 
composure. Taking the message he scrutinized it carefully and 
replied : “ I have ap indistinct recollection of such a mes- 

sage. I received so many yesterday, it is difficult to particu- 
larize one; but it strikes me that I did receive such a message. 
Is there anything wrong with it ? 

‘‘ T don’t want any indistinct recollections, sir; I wish to know 
whether this message was taken by you or not, and what 
became of it.” 

Edgcumb’s sensitive nature was hurt, and he was on the point 
of replying rather sharply, but his better judgment prevailed, 
and he answered, calmly : I am quite positive that I received 
such a message yesterday, and, if so, it was promptly placed 
on the hook.” 

“ You admit, then, of having received it, do you? ” 

I am willing to assume that responsibility, sir.” 

“ That is sufficient. The message w'as lost and never reached 
Grumraond & Co. The New York office claims that the mes- 
sage was sent to you. Your admission traces it to this table, 
where it seems to have mysteriously disappeared, for po trcicq 
of it C9/U be found in the o^ce. ” 


thje : dismissal . 27 

It is very strange/^ remarked Edgcumb, beginning to show 
considerable anxiety. 

‘‘ It’s a bad piece of business. Here is a loss to Cornell & Co. 
of twenty thousand dollars. I shall expect you to give a more 
satisfactory account of it, for it cannot be traced farther than 
you. I suppose that your head was so turned by that afiair yes- 
terday morning that you didn’t know what you were about all 
day.” ■ 

Without stopping to give Edgcumb an opportunity to reply, 
Mancel Tewkes turned abruptly and walked with his usual dig- 
nified step back to his desk, in the center of the room. Here he 
sat down and for some time seemed to ponder over the singular 
disappearance of the message. Now and then he would raise 
his eyes and glance in the direction of Edgcumb’s table, as if a 
suspicion lurked in his mind that the operator could tell more 
than he felt disposed concerning it. He was sorely puzzled to 
account for it himself, and was in that uncertain state of mind 
in seeking for an explanation which rendered him extremely 
liable to imposition. 

Coulter was filled with intense satisfaction upon seeing the 
first results of his intrigue manifest so prominently in the un- 
easiness of his rival and the manner and appearance of the 
Director-in-Chief. The scheme was fairly at work, and all he 
wished for now was to gain the ear of his superior privately. 
So great was his anxiety so to do that he frequently stopped for 
a moment in his work and looked toward him. Finally their 
eyes met, and Mancel Tewkes seemed to be seized with a sud- 
den idea in consequence, for there was something in Coulter’s 
stare that suggested these words, “ I know all about it, sir; 
just ask me, and I can give you all the information you desire.” 

A few minutes thereafter Coulter received a summons to 
appear in the presence of the Director-in-Chief. Leaving his 
table, with an affable smile he walked briskly forward and pre- 
sented himself. Mancel Tewkes, without scarcely raising his 
eyes from the papers lying before him, motioned the operator to 
a seat. He appeared for some time to be deeply engaged with 
his papers, and it was not until he turned his head in a casual 
way that he seemed to be reminded of his presence. ‘‘Ah,” 
said he, apologetically, “ 1 had forgotten that I had sent for 


28 


THE DUKE OE AECAEUM. 


you.^^ Then, with a serious air, he turned to his desk, and tak- 
ing a paper, which proved to be a copy of the missing telegram, 
he handed it to Coulter, asking: “ Have you any recollection 
of having seen such a message before 'i 
“ I have not, sir,^^ replied Coulter, glancing at it. I see that 
it bears yesterday^s date. I sent the business on the New York 
wire yesterday and Edgcumb received. 

The message was lost; it never reached Grummcnd & Co. 
It is a very mysterious affair. I cannot understand how a mes- 
sage can bo lost in this office. Can you throw any light on it, 
Mr. Coulter 

1 might possibly be able to make the matter clear to you, 
Mr. Tewkes, but I do not like to say anything against Edgcumb. 
He^s a good fellow, so they say, and a fine operator. 

“ That doesffit make any difierence. If you know anything 
that will help to clear this matter up I wish you to speak. 
Inform me of all you know at once; I demand it.^^ 

Well,^^ said Coulter, hesitatingly, if you really demand it 
I suppose I shall have to comply, for I can better afibrd to incur 

his displeasure than yours. I 

“ Yes, sir,’^ interrupted the chief, “ proceed. 

Well, I confess it’s an unpleasant duty to have to talk 
against one’s friends, but I’m not going to lie to save him. The 
truth is just this : I was talking over the wire with an operator 
in New York this morning — the one who sent that same dis- 
X)atch yesterday. He told me that an important message had 
been lost, and that it rested between himself and Edg- 
cumb ” 

^‘Nothing of the kind, sir,” again interrupted Mancel 
Tewkes. “ Edgcumb admits of having received it. That 
places the responsibility on him. I simply want to know what 
became of it after taking it from the wire.” 

‘‘ I was going to say,” continued Coulter, that the man in 
New York claimed emphatically that Edgcumb gave ^ OK’ to 
the message, stopped him. and left his instrument for a few 
minutes. That is an important point, sir. You may not be 
able to see it clearly now, but, when you come to put a few 
things together, I am of the opinion that it would not require 
the genius of a Yidocq to unravel the story.” 


THE BTSMISSAE 20 

Your remarks are very ambiguous. I don^t uuderstand 
you.’^ 

“ Well, things are not always what they seem or what their 
surface indicates. 

“ That is very true, to be sure, but I fail to see the applica- 
tion you intend to make.^^ 

You press me closely, Mr. Tewkes,^' replied the wily oper- 
ator. “ I detest an informer or backbiter, but can I be blamed 
for what my eyes unwillingly and, perhaps, unwittingly see? ” 

“ Certainly not. I understand your feelings; but, if there is 
anything wrong going on, or if you can elucidate matters at all 
in connection with the disappearance of this message, you 
ought to have no hesitation in doing so. Your insinuations, 
then, are pointed against Edgcumb? 

‘‘‘ I did not say that they were.^^ 

“ I should infer as much. Come now. Coulter, tell me all you 
know, all you have observed, and I will see that the gratitude 
of the company shall be properly shown to you.^^ 

Coulter needed no word of command, no word of encourage- 
ment, to loosen his tongue. He had been merely dallying with 
the Director-in- Chief to create an impression of honesty and 
reluctance. 

‘‘ I donT know whether you have remarked it or not, but 
every morning Edgcumb brings in a newspaper and lays it be- 
hind his instrument on the table. That seems an insignificant 
matter in itself, but you will find that it will turn out to be quite 
an important 

Ah, I see, interrupted Mancel Tewkes, endeavoring to an- 
ticipate Coulter^s remarks. “ You think he took up the paper 
to read some item and the message was sent to him unnoticed.’^ 

“Not at all, not at all ; very far from it. An operator, such 
as is Stanley Edgcumb, never lets a dot or a dash escape his 
notice. No, sir, when that message was sent from New York it 
was taken down by him, you can depend upon that. Now the 
next point I make is this: I have frequently observed him 
copying messages — I mean a second copy 

“Yes, yes; now I understand, again interrupted the chief. 
“ Proud of that fine copy of his. Blotted a word or two and was 
ashamed of it, and in copying it over accidentally misrouted it. 


30 


THE DUKE OE ABCANUM, 


It has probahl}^ gone off, nobody knows where, looking for 
somebody else.^^ 

Very wide of the mark again, Mr. Tewkes,^^ said CouUer, 
smilingly. Stanley Edgciimb never has to copy a message a 
second time ; his work is too well done the first. In truth he 
makes those second copies for his own use.^^ 

Mancel Tewkes looked up full of surprise. For his own use ! 
I am more puzzled than ever. What use could he make of a 
cipher message which is as unintelligible as Greek ? 

“ Why, he has been studying these ciphers at home, and I 
tell you, sir, he has got them down so fine that he is a veri- 
table code in himself. Only a day or so ago I had taken one of 
CornelPs ciphers from New York and hung it on the hook, when 
Edgcumb, seeing it, called my attention to a certain word which 
he claimed was an error, saying that it should be such a word 
instead. I inquired how he knew, and he looked confused, made 
some trivial reply, and went on with his woi k. I had some mis- 
givings then after Edgcumb had challenged it, for you know it 
makes one doubt his own accuracy to hear such assertions, and, 
having the word repeated, I discovered, sure enough, that Edg- 
cumb was right and I was wrong. 

Well, that is remarkable, said the astonished Director-in- 
Chief. “ Go on; I am becoming interested in your story. ” 

“ That, sir,^^ continued Coulter, only served to convince me 
that my previous suspicions were well founded. Let me now 
inform you of still another matter in this connection, and I will 
then show you how CornelPs message became lost in a most con- 
vincing manner. There are certain peculiar relations existing 
between Edgcumb and a member of a well-known firm on 
^Change. I have frequently seen him enter their office after 
business hours. I have seen them together in a billiard-room, 
and occasionally on the street, in the evening. There is some 
mutual interest existing between them which means more than 
oi'dinary friendship. What does a man of standing and means 
care for a poor devil who is groveling like a worm and working 
his life away on a paltry salary ? Companionship doiPt drift in 
such unfrequented channels. Edgcumb is in the habit, I have 
observed, of leaving his table after copying those messages. 
Almost invariably he retires to the hall. He is only gone a 


THE mSMlSSAE 31 

moment, but sufficiently long to accomplish his purpose, 
and 

A confederate outside, you mean,^^ put in ]\Iancel Tewkes. 

“ That's the thing in a nutshell, as they say. Now, sir, I have 
given you all the shady points connected with this matter. 
There is nothing left but to demonstrate how the message was 
lost. It was probably a large order to buy or sell.'^ 

Yes, it was an order to buy half a million bushels of corn, so 
Grummond's people tell me. 

You see, Mr. Tewkes, I know what I am talking about. 
The order, as you say, was to buy a half a million bushels of 
corn. Well, Edgcumb knew what the message contained as 
well as the man who wrote it, and, having a confederate on 
‘ ‘Change,’ they could easily take advantage by delaying its 
delivery until they had purchased a quantity of corn, for they 
well know the influence which such large orders have on an 
excited market.” 

“Yes,” said Mancel Tewkes, thoughtfully, “and the object 
of a cipher telegram is to keep important transactions from the 
knowledge of all persons except those interested.” 

“ Truly, and a man’s correspondence by telegraph should be 
as inviolate as if it were locked in a mail-pouch.” 

“ That is so. Coulter. Honesty is implied upon the part of 
every employe of this office, and I shall expect a rigid 
adherence to it.” 

“Ha! I have the old man worked up in excellent condition,” 
thought Coulter as he heard the Director-in-Chief express him- 
self in such decided tones. “ Well, a word more, Mr. Tewkes, 
and I am done. After Edgcumb received the message and 
learned its contents, he quietly hid it away in the folds of his 
newspaper, told the New York transmitter to wait a minute, 
and went out into the hall. I saw him go myself. He then 
sent word to his confederate how to operate and returned to his 
seat at the table.” 

“ But the message. Coulter, the message? ” 

“ Oh, the message; well, it being out of sight and his mind 
excited by the deal, it was forgotten. He never thought of it 
again until one of the little brats at home fished it out of his 
newspaper; then it went into the fire, for Edgcumb is too cun- 


32 THE DUKE OF AECANUM, 

ning to give himself away when be gets into a tight place like 
that. 

Mancel Tewkes was silent with amazement. The explana- 
tion was plausible, and it really appeared to be the only 
satisfactory one which could be given of the aflair. He felt 
greatly annoyed to think that such proceedings had been going 
on under his very eyes without his knowledge. For some time 
after Coulter had concluded, he remained silent, seeming to con- 
sider the evidence which had been so skillfully presented. 

Coulter watched his features intently to note the impression 
which had been made; as a counselor who has presented his 
clients case to the court, he anxiously awaited the decision. It 
came. 

^‘Well, Coulter, said Mancel Tewkes, “you are really a 
wonderful fellow. I never gave you credit for having so much 
sagacity. You have presented the case so clearly I almost feel 
convinced that you are right, and that what before seemed a 
mystery is now no longer such. I shall reward your faithfulness. 
Keturn to your duties and keep these matters to yourself. I 
will talk with you later in the day.^^ 

After terminating the interview, the Director-in-Chief 
resumed the inspection of the papers lying on the desk with 
which he had been engaged when Coulter presented himself. 
Occasionally, however, he glanced at the duplicate message. 
It seemed to be the hete noire of his official eyes, for a frown 
settled upon his brow, and a glance follow^ed in the direction of 
Edgcumb’s table. He was really very much disturbed over 
the incident. It placed his management of the company’s busi- 
ness in an unpleasant light, and would undoubtedly entail a 
heavy loss in the way of damages, or else involve them in a 
serious litigation in the courts. In one sense he felt relieved to 
think that Coulter had provided him with an explanation, for 
without such he would have been sorely troubled to know what 
to do. “Moreover,” he thought, “this is a most convenient 
one to make, for it obviates the charge of bad management. It 
was the result of misplaced confidence in an employe, such as 
would be liable to occur in the best regulated of offices. I shall 
make a wholesome example of this young man, and I think it 
will not be likely to occur again. It v/ould be most unfortunate 


Tim hlSMISSAL. 


33 


now to have the message turn up somewhere in the office and 
thus destroy a most excellent means of explanation.^^ He 
realized with deep chagrin what a blot it was upon the adminis- 
tration of the aflairs of the office to have such a matter trans- 
pire without being able to account for it satisfactorily. To save 
the reputation of his own office he would gladly have shifted 
the responsibility upon the other end of the wire, but Edg- 
CLimb^s admission precluded this. Coulter had proved his 
corruption and dishonesty so conclusively that there was no 
way out of it but to admit that it had occurred under his juris- 
diction, and to summarily dismiss the offender. “ It^s a clear 
case/’ said he. There is no alternative, Edgeumb must go.^^ 

As soon as Mancel Tewkes had formed this resolution he 
motioned to an assistant, saying as he approached: You 

may relieve Edgeumb on the New York wire, and tell him to 
report to me.^^ 

While waiting Stanley's appearance, Mancel Tewkes con- 
tinued to fumble over his papers in a perfunctory way. His 
mind was wholly occupied with the matter of which Coulter 
had spoken. His features were marked with an unusual 
appearance of harshness, and his manner seemed to bo more 
frigid than ever. It was foreboding, and numerous were the 
glances cast upon him from those whose tables were adjacent, 
or not far removed. They were seized with a quickened curi- 
osity to know the meaning of such an unusual look of severity 
upon the Director-in-Chief ^s countenance, and when Edgeumb 
walked slowly down the aisle and presented himself at the desk, 
standing with his arms folded upon his breast, they could 
scarcely resist the temptation to cease work and observe the 
proceedings. 

Stanley had realized by a single glance at the visage of his 
superior that trouble was in store for him, but he was calm and 
self-possessed. Upon being relieved and ordered to report, he 
had been seized, for a moment, with deep misgivings, and his 
heart sank within him ; but the consciousness of having done 
nothing wrong soon nerved him to composure. I await your 
pleasure, Mr. Tewkes. I have been told that you wish to see 
me.^^ 

Mancel Tewkes slowly raised his eyes, surveyed the operator 

3 


34 THE DUKE OF ABC AHUM. 

for a moment, then said in a decided tone of voice ; “ Edgcumh, 
you are dismissed from the service of this company. ” 

“ Indeed, why so, Mr. Tewkes ? ” Stanley asked, in a pleas- 
ant way. 

“ I have no reason to assign further than that I have decided 
to dispense with your services. 

<< But, sir, I am entitled to a reason for this action. My 
reputation is aspersed and I must have a chance to defend it. 

You are as well aware as I am why this step is taken ; 1 
have no further communication to make,^^ said Mancel Tewkes, 
coldly. 

I am not aware of it. 1 can surmise that it has something 
to do with the lost message ; but I had no more connection with 
the disappearance of it than you had yourself,’^ Edgcumh 
replied, warmly. 

^‘What, you deny it? How dare you, sir? The evidence 
against you is too preponderating for that. It is a bad mess, a 
very bad mess — the worst that this company has ever had to 
contend with. I had determined not to discuss this matter 
with you, but I am surprised into it, sir, by your audacity. 

This vigorous sally on the part of the Director-in-Chief fell like 
a bomb on Edgeumb’s ears. He felt a sting to his pride ; his 
dignity was injured, and his honor impeached. For a moment 
the hot blood of resentment boiled in his veins. He felt that to 
be unjustly accused was an indignity which was insupportable. 
The thought of dismissal in such a summary manner, without 
being heard— to be thus cast out with a dark shadow of sus- 
picion upon his reputation, to have his honor challenged in 
such an insulting and contemptuous manner — was almost beyond 
human endurance. A sudden thought occurred to him. He 
would seize the man by the throat and make him render an 
abject apology, or else submit to a chastisement which would 
be a lesson to him in the future. His teeth became tightly set, 
his eyes fixed with an aggressive glare, and he felt the sinews 
of his arms tighten with that contraction which only comes 
when the ferocity of a man^s nature is aroused to its fullest 
extent. He was upon the point of springing upon him when 
two or three assistants, who were attracted by his menacing 
attitude, interfered. 


THE DISMISSAL. 


35 


Edgcumb took the interference in good part, and, upon calm- 
ing himself, soon realized that he had been prevented from 
committing an act which he would have surely regretted. The 
Director-in-Chief, who had paled at the sudden aspect of affairs, 
flattered hirpself that he had been timely saved from a furious 
attack. 

From the moment that Edgcumb was relieved from the wire 
Coulter had watched the dramatic denouement of his plot. He 
saw Edgcumb^s threatening manner with a keen relish, but he 
was disappointed at the interference. He knew that any overt 
act on Edgcumb’s part would place him beyond the power of 
reconciliation with the Director-in-Chief. 

Mancel Tewkes began to assume a more conciliatory manner. 
His asperity had fouled against a rock such as it had not 
encountered before in the channel of his official duties. Hereto- 
fore he had experienced no trouble in the discharge of an employe. 
They had always meekly submitted, whether guilty or innocent, 
and, if no charge had been preferred, none had dared to demand 
one. Here was a man of independence, however, who was 
determined to maintain his honor at any cost, and to compel a 
proper recognition of the fact that he was a human being, and 
not a cur to be bufleted about at the caprice of a master. The 
Director-in-Chief had often been severe. He had often addressed 
the men under his control in a rude and harsh manner. He was 
one of those persons who are sometimes invested with authority, 
who imagine there is no way to maintain discipline and order 
save by rough dealing and intimidation. His crabbedness, only 
assumed in the earlier years of his service, had at length 
become a part of his nature. There was no satisfaction in 
coming in contact with him, and the employes of the office 
avoided him as much as possible. 

Upon regaining his self-possession Edgcumb looked straight- 
forward into the eyes of the chief, and said : 

‘‘ Mr. Tewkes, it is anything but worthy in a man who occu- 
pies a position such as yours, to cast reflections upon the honor 
of a helpless subordinate. There may be those here who would 
calmly submit to it, but I, sir, am not one of them. I demand 
the proof of your assertions, or a retraction of the charge. 

Mancel Tewkes, for a moment, seemed to be considering his 


36 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 

reply. His astonishment at Edgcumh's display of aggressive- 
ness a moment before was still more enhanced by the directness 
of his words. He was beginning to think that he had made a 
mistake in taking the course which he had in discharging him 
without a further investigation^ or without giving him a hearing. 
It was also apparent that he had been unduly hasty in his denun- 
ciation when Edgcumb had disclaimed any connection with tlie 
disappearance of the message, and he began to have a guilty 
feeling that the rebuke was not undeserved. He felt inclined, 
even then, at that tardy moment, to do the young man justice 
by maldng an explanation for his dismissal, and by offering him 
an opportunity to vindicate himself. The silence on his part 
was caused by the struggle in his mind as to which course to 
pursue ; whether to maintain the stand which he had taken, or 
yield to the demands of the operator. As to taking the latter 
step, he feared that in doing so his prestige and dignity as 
Director-in-Chief would suffer in the estimation of his subordi- 
nates. He was a stickler for discipline in every sense, and what 
discipline can be maintained without fear and respect? Fur- 
thei*, there was an excellent opportunity for providing an expla- 
nation for the disappearance of the message. These latter 
arguments, swiftly as they rushed through his brain, were 
potent. There must be a victim, and it might as well be this 
man upon whom the finger of suspicion was pointed, and whose 
unruly conduct would be a standing menace to the discipline of 
the office if he were retained. 

“ I am waiting, sir,^^ again spoke Edgcumb. 

The Director-in-Chief now turned toward the operator, with a 
cold look of disdain, saying : My decision, sir, is unalterable. 
I cannot discuss this question with you; I will not; you are dis- 
missed. Keport to the cashier for the amount due you for serv- 
ices. He has been 

Before Mancel Tewkes could finish the sentence, Edgcumb 
had sprung upon him with the fury of an enrage, clutching both 
hands tightly upon his throat. His head was forced back, his 
eyes started from their sockets, his face became purple, and a low 
gurgling sound told that he was in the throes of strangulation. 
There was a great commotion throughout the office, and a wild 
rush toward the scene of the encounter. Edgcumb was seized 


mm i)is3msAL. 


37 


by the foremost of those who came to the rescue, but it required 
an almost superhuman effort to release the man from his infuri- 
ated grasp. 

Mancel Tewkes revived, and, with the first words which he 
was able to utter, commanded that Edgcumb be removed from 
the office. Pale and agitated, Stanley was led away, followed by 
the excited gaze of all about him. But there were two specta- 
tors of that scene who were, perhaps, more deeply interested 
than all the rest. Each was actuated by feelings entirely difier- 
ent from the other. One wore a look of pity and sadness ; the 
other of fiendish delight — James Kye and Jack Coulter. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE PLOT. 

Mangel Tewkes was as good as his word, for the day fol- 
lowing Edgcumb^s dismissal Coulter was appointed Assistant 
Director-in-Chief. The cares and responsibilities of his position 
had grown so arduous that he had been casting about for some 
time for a suitable person to relieve him of a portion of the 
details of management. The incident of the lost message had 
impressed him with Coulter^s shrewdness and capacity for the 
place. Principally for this reason, and partly as a reward for 
having denounced Edgcumb, he selected him. Coulter, how- 
ever, had no sooner been appointed than his schemes began to 
blossom forth as numerous as the petals of the polycarpus. His 
ambitions were not satisfied. He began to dream of greater 
power, of a more exalted position, one which would aflbrd abso- 
lute control and an authoritative distinction. He coveted his 
superior’s shoes, and began to speculate upon the possibility of 
stepping into them. The rise from a commonplace employe to 
the dignity of Director-in-Chief was only a step, after all, and 
that step was already partly accomplished. The vision was con- 
stantly before his eyes, but he knew that he must first prepare 
himself for the place before entertaining any thoughts of secur- 
ing it. This he did by making himself useful, so much so that 
within a few days after his appointment Mancel Tewkes had 
taken him wholly into his confidence and seemed to think that 
he had been most fortunate in the selection of his assistant. 
Coulter had been employed in the office so long that there was 
in reality very little for him to learn in connection with his new 
position. He knew what was required, and all that was neces- 
sary was to demonstrate to Mancel Tewkes that he was capable 
of performing his duties. 

While thus occupied Coulter still indulged in his ambitious 
speculations. Nay, they even began to take distinctive shape 

38 


THE PLOT. 


39 


in his mind. There was hut one matter stood between him and 
the coveted position — Mancel Teivlces^ life. To be sure that were 
a small matter to him could he attain his end. He had always 
secretly despised him, and, although he had played the role of 
a sycophant to further his own interests, he had done so 
designedly, and not because he bore him the least friendship. 
“ But canT the same results be accomplished by intrigue ? he 
thought. “ I have ridden myself of my rival in that way, and 
why not of this obstacle to my advancement in the same man- 
ner? ” Then he sought for a plan, keeping a watch upon 
every movement and action of his superior ; but he could find 
no vulnerable point of attack. All the subtle cunning of his 
treacherous nature, all his plotting ingenuity, could not contrive 
a scheme of intrigue, and it was finally abandoned for another 
of a more desperate character — murder. 

There was at this time an infamous dive situated on Kinzie 
street, not far from the bridge which spans the north branch of 
the river. It was a plain two-story brick building, and stood 
upon the corner of an alley. It was known to the police as 
French Anne^s,^^ and was kept by a burly Frenchwoman who 
was called Madame Renaud by the denizens of that notorious 
locality. She was a coarse, flabby, red-faced, repulsive-looking 
creature, so thoroughly steeped in iniquity that the odor of her 
oflenses was rank in the nostrils of the police. She had given 
them a great deal of trouble, and many were the infractions of 
the law whose inception had been traced to her door. But she 
was cunning and shrewd, and always managed to baffle the 
skill of the offlcers. Her establishment had frequently been 
broken up, but a moral leper, like a physical, takes a deep root 
and breaks out afresh when it is thought that the evil has been 
eradicated. The suppression of her resort would last but a 
short time when she would blossom forth again in some new 
locality. Then for awhile her dive would be conducted in a 
quiet way to avoid the attention of the police, but it grew by 
degrees to be as notorious as ever. Many cases of mysterious 
disappearance had been reported and unavailingly worked upon 
by the detectives, but their investigations invariably came to an 
end by the discovery that the missing man had last been seen 


40 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM, 


alive at French Anne’s. ” Merely this and nothing more^ and 
they were fortunate, indeed, did they discover so rouch as that. 

A number of lewd women were kept to ply their w^anton 
vocations, being sent upon the streets by day and by night, in 
flashy attire and with painted faces, to entice the unwary by 
their meretricious arts into the meshes of her web. 

The front of the building had something of the appearance 
of a store. There were large windows on either side of the 
door, curtained with cheap yellow holland, and filled with a 
miscellaneous assortment of empty cigar boxes and liquor bottles, 
bearing a variety of names which were familiar and tempting to 
the habitues of the place. Just inside of the door stood a large 
wooden screen, which prevented a view of the interior from the 
walk. The saloon itself was a medium-sized room, with dingy 
walls, containing a small bar, half a dozen tables, and twice as 
many clumsy-looking chairs. Madame Renaud could be found 
at all hours behind the bar, dispensing liquor to the loungers 
W'hen there were any about, or scheming with the crooks wlio 
infested the place. 

In the rear of the saloon was a plainly-furnished room used 
for the reception of visitors, and which all the inmates of the 
house used in common. A door opened from this room into the 
alley, through w^hich entrance to the house could be obtained 
without passing through the saloon. This door was provided 
with a small wicket, in order that persons standing outside 
might be seen without opening the door. 

Jack Coulter was one of the frequenters of this resort. He 
always came in a quiet way and entered by the alley door. A 
few w^eeks previous to his promotion he had brought a young 
woman there, leaving her in Madame Renaud’s charge, and it 
was upon her account that his visits to the establishment were 
made. He saw very little of Madame Renaud, or of the other 
inmates, and the wine which he usually ordered was consumed 
by himself and mistress at the little square table in one corner 
of the room. 

One night, shortly after Coulter had decided upon the perpe- 
tration of a crime, he concluded to visit Madame Reuaud’s 
place, but with a difterent purpose than was customary. It 
was to see the Frenchwoman instead of his mistress. As he 


THE PLOT. 


41 


rapped at the door, the wicket went up and a soft voice 
inquired : Who is there ? 

It^s me — Jack; let me in, Chloe, and don^t keep me wait- 
ing.^’ 

The door flew open instantly and a young woman fell upon 
Coulter^s neck with an embrace, exclaiming, Oh, Jack, I^m so 
glad to see you. How good of you to come and see me to-night. 
I was just thinking of you but a moment ago.^^ 

Well, I^m glad to hear it, Chloe; it tickles a fellow^s vanity 
wonderfully to have a woman think he is the best man in tbe 
world. I hope you wouT be jealous, though. 

Jealous ! Of whom. Jack ? 

The old woman. 

What old woman do you mean? 

“ Madame Remind. I came to see her to-night. 

Now, Jack ; you didnh, did you ? I thought I was going to 
have you all to myself, ’^ said Chloe, looking up coaxingly in his 
eyes. 

“ I am sorry to disappoint you, Chloe ; but I must see 
Madame Renaud first. 

“ I didn’t know that you ever came here to see her.^^ 

“ Don’t pout, my pretty miss. I never came here to see her 
before — that is, only once.” 

“ What was that for? ” 

“ To make arrangements for you.” 

Are you going to see her on my account to-night? ” 

Not at all, girl. You are doing well enough. I have a 
little business with her; where can she be found ? ” 

“ In the saUe-d-manger.^^ 

“In the solemn what? I didn’t quite understand, ” Coulter 
asked mischievously. 

“ In the salle-d-manger. That’s the French for dining-room, 
you know,” Chloe replied, bursting into a ripple of laughter. 

“No; I didn’t know it,” answered Coulter, good-naturedly. 
“ You are getting confoundedly Frenchy, being here with the 
Madame so much. Well, you must not spring any of it on me, 
for I don’t take much interest in people who live on bull-frogs 
and mushrooius,” 


42 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 

Cliloe laughed again louder than before, and Coulter looked 
at her grinuingly. ^ 

“ Oh, the Madame and I talk French every day.^^ 

That’s why she takes to you so, I presume. Where did you 
learn it? ” 

“ I am not going to tell you; now don’t you ask.” 

‘‘Have your own way; but go and tell the Madame that I 
wish to see her.” 

“ Chloe replied, with an arch look, as she 

started to go. 

“ Yes; there you go with some more of that French.” 

Standing upon the threshold, with the door slightly ajar, 
Chloe peeped through at Coulter and teasingly said : “ Ouij 

Alonsieur; Je m'en va tie suite, la madame a fait connaitre qu^elle 
vous attendd^ 

Coulter dropped into a chair, assuming a look of helplessness, 
while Chloe disappeared, much amused at his attitude. 

By the dim light of a lamp standing upon the table in the 
corner, which dickered from the air-draughts thiough its 
broken chimney. Coulter took a survey of the room. The walls 
were bare of ornamentation, with the exception of a single 
picture, a chromo illustrating a scene in a German village on 
a winter day. Coulter saw something in this which attracted 
his attention and stood looking at it as Madame Renaud 
appeared. 

^ Bonsoir, Alonsieurf^ said the Frenchwoman, accosting the 
visitor. 

“What the deuce is that? I’ve just been giving Chloe a 
lecture obout speaking French to me. Come now, tell the truth ; 
didn’t she put you up to it? ” 

“Yes; she w^anted me to bother you a little,” Madame 
Renaud acknowledged, as her ponderous figure shook with a 
jolly appreciation of his predicament. 

“ Well, Madame, I wish to have a talk with you; can any one 
hear us ?” 

“ No; the girls are all upstairs. I’ll lock the door. No one 
can hear us talk. What is it ye’ve got to say? Be quick, 
young man, fur T must be gittin’ back to the bar or they’ll lusli 
^11 the liquor fur we, ” 


THE PLOT. 


43 


Let ^em lush. Fve got a scheme, which if you’ve a mind to 
help me in will pay you enough to keep you in grog for a life- 
time. ” 

Madame Eenaud’s impatience quieted down upon the mention 
of such an important matter. 

A scheme, eh ? Well, what is it, boy, and what do ye want 
me to do 

“ Furnish me with a couple of good workers, if you can.’’ 

Is it a bank 

^^No.” 

What sort of men do ye want then*?” 

I want a couple of fellows that ain’t afraid of” 

Coulter paused and looked cautiously about. 

Afraid of what?” the woman asked. 

Blood, ” said Coulter, lowering his voice to a whisper. 

Blood, eh?” repeated Madame Eenaud, unmoved by what 
she had heard: 

Yes; it’s a nasty job, but it will pay well. ” 

Humph ! the butcher gets used to his work, you know. 
Well, let’s see ; how much will it pay ?” 

I can’t say, Madame, but he carries a big roll.” 

What do ye want to croak him fur? Can’t ye get it with- 
out?” 

No ; you see there are certain reasons why he would sus- 
pect me if we only held him up. I want him out of the way so 
there will be no danger.” 

“ Yes, but ye know the risk of doin’ such things.” 

There’s no danger in this case. I’ll warrant you. I’ve got 
the thing fixed so as to throw ’em off the track. ” 

Be ye very sure of that? ” 

“ Yes; you can depend upon it that I wouldn’t undertake it 
unless I was. I don’t fancy having a halter round my neck any 
more than you do. I tell you the thing is all right. All I want 
is to have one or two good trusty fellows to do the work. I’ll 
point out the man, and go you halves ; you can settle with 
the ” 

Butchers, eh?” ejaculated the woman, finishing the sen- 
tence for him. 

Well, call ’em what you please. What do you say to it? ” 


44 


THE DUKE OE AUGAEVM. 


rm ready for a bargain if ihere^s money in it.^^ 

What do you suppose I^d want to do it for if there wasn^t I 

“ Ye might have a grudge agin hm.^^ 

Nonsense ; do you take me for a fool ? Do you think I 
would kill a man for a mere grudge, and run the risk of my 
neck '? No ; money is one thing and a grudge is another. In 
this case, it^s money, old lady ; it^s a harvest, too. If you don’t 
want to take a hand, why, say so; there are plenty that’ll jump 
at the chance.^’ 

Coulter turned away indifferently upon finishing his remark, 
and stepped to the lamp to renew the fire of his cigar, which had 
nearly gone out while he had been talking. Madame Kenaud was 
not the person to let an opportunity slip when she thought there 
was a reasonable chance of success. 

Well,” said she, tell me all about it ; who he is an’ what 
the plans are.” 

I’ll do nothing of the kind. I don’t propose to place myself 
in anybody’s i)ower. You furnish the men and I’ll show them 
the work. ” 

An’ ye’re sure there’s a big thing in it? ” 

“ That’s what I said.” 

An’ when d’ye want ’em ? ” 

“ I want to have them ready at a moment’s notice. I may 
want to use them any night. I’ll be on the watch, and, when 
the iron’s hot, we’ll strike.” 

“ All right; go ahead. I’ve got two good strikers right here 
in the house. ” 

Who are they, Madame? ” 

Pintard and Vitellius.” 

Are they used to such work? ” 

“ I’ve nothin’ to say; try ’em.” 

Madame Renaud knew neither Coulter’s name nor occupation. 
She had heard Chloe call him Jack, and that was all she knew 
about him. He had frequented her resort, off and on, for some 
time. He had always been free with his money, treating the 
girls to wine and the male habitues to liquor and cigars. He 
had gained her confidence to a considerable degree, and she 
had come to look upon him as one of that class who live by 


THE PLOT 45 

their wits, and it was on this account that she so readily 
embraced his proposition. 

The two men, Pintard and Vitellius, that Madame Renaud 
seemed to have about for just such purposes as Coulter had pro- 
posed, were villains of the deepest dye. The former was a 
French-Canadian and the latter an Italian. Vitellius, how- 
ever, could speak French as fluently as his native tongue. He 
had led a career of villainy in many parts of the world. The 
slums of Rome, Paris, London and New York were as familiar 
to him as those of Chicago. Pintard had had a less varied 
experience, but was no less a villain, and between the two 
Madame Renaud^s establishment was supplied with as an invin- 
cible a pair of cut-throats as ever existed. 

A few days later, as Coulter was seated at the desk talking 
with Mancel Tewkes, a plumber called and presented a bill to 
the Director-in- Chief, strenuously urging the payment of a long- 
standing private account. The plumber had presented his bill 
many times before ineffectually, and his patience had become 
exhausted. The bill was small (for plumbers), only twenty 
dollars, but Mancel Tewkes had not the money with him at the 
moment. He agreed, however, to call that evening about nine 
o’clock and cancel the debt. 

Coulter overheard the conversation between them. It was a 
trivial matter in itself, but to the designing assistant it seemed 
to afford a golden opportunity for the consummation of the deed 
which would raise him to the position of Director-in-Chief. A 
plan dawned upon his mind at once. It was most unexpected, 
but it is often, from such trifling suggestions, that the most 
important acts of a man’s life are conceived. After the plumber 
had taken his departure. Coulter lingered for some time in con- 
versation with Mancel Tewkes, but it was desultory on his part, 
for his thoughts were busy with the formation of a plan which 
was to accomplish his chief’s destruction. 

The first step must be one of self-preservation at whatever 
cost, ” Coulter argued. There must be a channel to divert suspi- 
cion from himself. He was reasonably sure that Madame Renaud, 
Pintard nor Vitellius could not trace him beyond the walls of 
the bagnio, and should they be found implicated or suspected 
they would not be able to point him out if they so desired, but 


46 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


there must he some one on whom suspicion could be thrown at 
the start. It would be better than to have it recognized as a 
mysterious affair, for then the suspicions and views of the police 
would assume a wider range and the danger would be greatly 
increased. A bait must be prepared and thrown to the blood- 
hounds of the law to start them on a false trail. The police and 
detectives were always eager to pounce upon anything which had 
the semblance of a clew, especially if it could be enlarged upon 
so as to vouchsafe a little personal prestige or notoriety. Natu- 
rally enough he thought of Edgcumb. “ Had he not had a diffi- 
culty with the Director- in- Chief ? Had he not assaulted and 
nearly strangled him ? Had he not been dismissed in disgrace, 
and would not that be regarded as a sufficient cause for assass- 
ination These were cogent arguments, and he needed but to 
think of them to embrace them. One thought led to another 
until an idea suddenly seized him which brought the whole plot 
to perfection. He knew that Edgcumb must be in straitened 
circumstances, as he had been out of employment for several 
weeks. He had seen him him enter a pawnshop that same 
morning, and a man could have but one object in entering such 
a place. “ He needs a little money, and I’ll send it to him. It 
may be useful — not to him, but to me. The devil take him, 
and Mancel Tewkes, too ! I’ll be the head of this office before 
to-morrow night. 

At the approach of darkness Coulter hurried to Madame 
Keuaud’s to notify Pintard and Vitellius to hold themselves in 
readiness for the work in hand, and to appoint a rendezvous for 
a certain hour that evening. Chloe again admitted him by the 
alley door. She saw something unusual in his manner, but did 
not question him as to the cause ; but it was sufficient, never- 
theless, to arouse her curiosity. 

Madame Ilenaud was again at the supper- table, and Chloe 
went to call her. It was but a moment ere the Frenchwoman 
appeared in the doorway, munching her food between her capa- 
cious jaws, so abruptly had she left the table in an answer to 
the summons. Pausing a moment on the threshold she stared 
at Coulter and then ambled toward him, demanding with a foul 
oath the reason why she had been disturbed. 

Pardon, Madame/’ said Coulter, with his usual blandness, as 


THIE PLOT. 


i1 

he looked the wanton in the eye, “ hut it’s a case where a fellow 
can^t stop on ceremony. That matter must be attended to 
to-night; there’s no time to lose.” 

The coarse, hard features of the woman underwent an imme- 
diate change. The scowl vanished and a gleam of satisfaction 
lighted up her features. ^‘To-night! Well, young man, ye 
seem very cool and self-possessed with such an undertakin’ on 
yer mind. Ye think the harvest will be plentiful, then? ” 

I tell you, old woman, he’s a gilt-edged customer. I saw 
his roll to-day, and ”twould make you weep for envy.’ ” 

“ Does ye know he’s got it with ’im ? ” 

‘‘ Yes; he expects to pay out a large sum to-night, and, unless 
we get there pretty soon, tlie other fellow will have it and the 
jig will be up. Where’s the muffers ? ” 

They’s lushin’ beer in the s’loon, I reckon.” 

Well, go and shut them off quick. I want them to have 
clear heads to-night, so there will be no bungling. I don’t want 
to have the police get hold of us. ” 

That’s a fact, me boy. I tell ye I don’t want to waltz at the 
end of a rope with my three-hundred-pound carcass ; ’twould 
pull the head clean off* ’m me.” 

If the police should take either of the men do you think they 
would betray us? ” 

“Never; not a bit of it. When Anne Kenaud picks out a 
man, ye kin make up yer mind he won’t be one that ’ll squeal. 
Now, mind ye, boy, if ye get hard run, make fur the house ; I’ve 
got a place here that’s as safe as a mummy tomb. ” 

“ All right ; unchain the dogs before they get too full of grog 
and I’ll start ’em on the scent. ” 

Madame Renaud left the room and returned a moment later 
with Pintard. and Vitellius. A few words sufficed to instruct 
them as to the time for leaving, the route, and the place of ren- 
dezvous. Madame Renaud went back to finish her supper after 
listening a moment to the instructions. As she closed the door 
after her, she called, in a low, guttural voice, to the trio : 
“ Messieurs, succes ; le bon succes ! ” 

Coulter soon left the house, for he had an important errand to 
attend to before the hour for final action arrived. Crossing the 


48 


TH^: DVK^ OF AFCANUM. 


river, he walked rapidly to the court-house, where he found a 
boy waiting for him with whom he had made an appointment. 

“Ah, here you are, said Coulter, as he approached the 
urchin. 

“ Yes, it^s me. Fve been waiting a long time.^^ 

“ Fm sorry for that, but I couldn^t meet you sooner. Now for 
the errand; listen. I am going with you to a certain house on 
Sangamon street. I will show it to you ; then I wish you to 
take this letter, ring the door-bell, deliver it to whoever answers 
the call, and hurry away as quickly as possible, so that no ques- 
tions can be asked. Do you understand*? 

“ Yes; Idl do as you say. Do you want me to come back to 
you ? 

“ Yes, I shall be near. You can return to me, and we will 
come away together. This must be kept very quiet. 

“ All right, sir; Fm ready. 

Accompanied by the lad. Coulter then stepped into a car, 
crossed into the West Division, executed the errand and hurried 
away. Upon looking at his watch he saw that no time was to 
be lost in reaching the rendezvous; so, leaving the boy, he made 
all possible haste to reach it. Pintard and Vitellius were wait- 
ing, and as he came up they joined him, and all moved off in 
the direction of Granger street, upon which Mancel Tewkes 
resided. 


CHAPTEE lY. 


A STAKTLIXG DISCOVERY. 

Stanley, do tell me, what is tlie matter with you of late? 
I declare, you have not been like yourself at all for the last two 
or three weeks. You appear as if some trouble bore heavily 
upon your mind, and you were using strenuous efibrts to keep 
my suspicions allayed.’^ 

“ Imogen, how absurd you arc! 

“ Absurd! Well, perhaps I am. You men always think your 
wives are absurd if they display any uneasiness over your 
affairs. Come now, dear, tell me what troubles you. What 
makes you so unhappy? 

“ Unhappy! You should not say unhappy. There is a period 
in a maifs life when his disposition undergoes a change, when 
gi-avity succeeds boyish frivolity and mirth. Why should I be 
unhappy? Am I not blessed with domestic felicity? Have I 
not three darling children and a faithful wife to warm my heart? 
Health, too, the greatest of all blessings, is ours. How can a 
man be unhappy under such circumstances? 

Yes, Stanley, that is all true; but somehow, I detect a tinge 
of sadness in your tone and manner. A womaffs discernment is 
as keen as the scent of a hound. Such changes in disposition as 
you refer to do not come suddenly. You used to come home 
after your day^s work full of life and fun, and romp with the 
children ; but lately you have been so sober you have scarcely 
noticed them. Are you ill? 

“ Imogen, I didn’t think that you were possessed of so much 
curiosity.” 

Indeed I am, and I shall not rest until I know what 
troubles yuu. ” 

“ Perhaps you would not then.” 

Perhaps not; but I should be better satisfied.” 

49 


4 


60 THE DUKE OE ARCAntlM. 

Ha ! you mean your curiosity would be satisfied. You have 
heard that very old maxim, 'Where ignorance is bliss his folly 
to be wise/ have you not? 

" Oh, stop, husband. You are always quoting some of those 
old sayings that were conjured up before the flood. 

" They ought to be entitled to some consideration, then, on 
account of their advanced age,^^ remarked Stanley, smilingly. 

Edgeumb had kept his wife in profound ignorance of his dis- 
missal, as he did not care to burden her heart with unnecessary 
troubles as long as he could prevent it. He had hoped, from 
day to day, to secure another position, and he had concluded 
not to apprise her until he had succeeded. Each day he had 
left home in the morning and returned in the evening at his 
accustomed hours. He had sought diligently in all directions for 
wmrk, but unavailingly. His applications at the many telegraph 
offices in the city were not considered, it being known in those 
circles that he wms under a cloud. Then it became necessary to 
seek elsewhere, but his success was no better, and, meeting with 
the most discouraging results, he had returned home each 
evening filled with gloomy forebodings for the future. He had 
kept up appearances as best he could, but, as we have seen, 
not so well but that Imogen had discerned the anxiety which 
pervaded his mind. 

This devoted wife, who was so willing to share Edgeumb’s 
troubles, was about three years his junior. In appearance she 
was slight of figure, oval face, clear complexion, expressive gray 
eyes, long lashes, shapely brows and hair of a rich dark brown. 
She was not, by any means, possessed of rare and unrivaled 
beauty; but she was, nevertheless, in all respects a lovely 
woman, of the common-sense, not the radiant, type ; such as are 
frequently met with in every-day life. She had a warm-hearted, 
winning way, and her vivacity lent a peculiar charm and attrac- 
tion to her person. Imogen had not possessed many advantages 
of education in her girlhood days. She was raised in an interior 
village of the State, and, having been left an orphan at an early 
age, she had been adopted by the wife of a tavern-keeper, by 
whom she was kindly treated and given such advantages of 
education as the village afforded. She had thus early developed 
such noble and winning traits of character that they became as 


A STARTLING BISCOVEHY. 


51 


deeply attached to her as if she were their natural offspring. 
She also displayed an unusual talent for music soon after her 
adoption. The only instrument which the tavern contained was 
a dulcimer, upon which the host was wont to strum for the 
small cotillion parties which, during the long winter season, 
came with merry, ringing shouts, and jingling sleigh-bells to 
enjoy a dance and supper under his hospitable roof. But she 
gi'ew so dexterous with the little sticks, in drawing music from 
the dulcimer, that she became the marvel of the hamlec. At 
length, attracted by her talent, a merchant’s wife took charge 
of her musical training, giving the benefit of her own accom- 
plishments, such as they were, as preceptress. 

It was amidst these quiet, rural scenes that Imogen spent 
her childhood and girlhood. Between the ages of fifteen and 
eighteen she had been sent to the city for a period of three or 
four mouths annually to perfect her musical education, the 
expense being borne by the merchant’s wife, who had taken an 
unusual interest in her pupil’s advancement. The acquaintance 
formed during these sojourns in the city proved valuable to 
her later ; for it was but a few weeks after her return from her 
third year’s instruction that the old tavern burned down, and 
the family found themselves in a state of destitution. Her kind 
patroness offered her a home, but, scorning a life of dependence 
and bidding adieu to loving friends, the quiet village, and all 
that was so dear and familiar to her, she sought the bustling 
city and entered fearlessly into the great struggle of life. Being 
clever and indefatigable, she won success, and in time requited 
her patroness for all the expense which she had incurred on her 
account. 

It was here, while pursuing her avocation that Stanley met 
and loved Imogen and two years after her arrival married her. 
They had lived happily and contentedly on the moderate salary 
which he had received, and had gradually gathered a family 
about them. His income not being large, they had readily dis- 
bursed it, but had managed to gradually augment the comforts 
and furnishings of a refined and ornate little home. Thus upon 
being dismissed from the office, Stanley had but the few dollars' 
due him for services. This he had exhausted, and on the morn- 
ing of the same day upon which occurred the preceding conver- 


52 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


sation be had pledged bis watch and chain with a pawnbroker 
to obtain the means to provide them with sustenance. Imogen 
had noticed the absence of the chain, which had hung conspicu- 
ously on his vest, and some misgivings had taken possession 
of her mind. She had been convinced for several days that 
something wus wrong, but she thought that if it were any- 
thing serious Stanley would surely tell her. It had now come 
to that point when she could no longer be quieted with evasive 
answers. Edgcumb saw this to be the case himself. For two 
or three days past it had sorely taxed his ingenuity to have a 
ready reply to the timid questions of his wife. She was now 
becoming bolder with them, and prospects were growing even 
darker as each day advanced. The time had arrived to tell her 
the true situation of atfairs. 

After a miserable attempt at being humorous, in the midst of 
his disquieting thoughts, Edgcumb did not speak for some 
minutes. He sat gazing into the fire, which was burning cheer- 
fully in the grate, considering what was best to say, and how to 
say it. Imogen also seemed to sufier some restraint on account 
of his silence and disclination to confide the secret of the burden 
which was oppressing him. The silence grew onerous, and 
Stanley, wishing to break the spell, raised his eyes to his wife. 
Her delicate hand shaded her brow, while her lace looked sad 
and disappointed. Instantly feeling a sense of reproach for 
having so long kept from her a knowledge of his troubles, the 
confession came almost involuntarily to his lips. “ Imogen, do 
not blame me,^' said he; “ I did not wish you to worry over it. 
I have tried to save you unnecessary pain, but I see I can no 
longer keep silent without engendering a lack of confidence. 
Yes, my dear, I am in trouble, and I have tried to persuade 
myself that it were better you should not know it. But what’s 
the use f You would soon know it anyway, and I dare say that 
even now you suspect the truth of the matter. I have deter- 
mined to tell you all, and if worse comes to worse we can share 
our troubles and burdens together, as during the past few years 
we have shared our happiness with each other. No trouble has 
ever come before to mar the happiness of our little household, 
but now, I dread to say it, prospects look very dark ahead.” 

Speak, Stanley, tell me what it is. It is said that woman’s 


A STAitiLING niSCOVEliY. 


53 


sympathy often ameliorates the harshness of lifers troubles, and 
makes its burdens more easily borne. Speak, my dear, tell 
me all. I will gladly share with you any burden that God or 
man can impose. 

“ And I, Imogen, to think that I have been so selfish as to 
keep it from you. Those words give me strength and cheer 
already. To be plain, my dear, I have lost my situation, and 
am out of money, save a few dollars which I secured on my 
watch to-day. Four weeks ago I was discharged from the 
office, and since that time I have sought in every direction for 
something to do, but in vain. It seems as if a demon of ill-luck 
were hovering about me.^^ 

“ Why, Stanley ! And you have kept it from me all this 
time ? 

“ I could not find it in my heart to tell you, my dear. I surely 
thought that before now I should find work, but my situation is 
peculiarly embarrassing, for I cannot obtain a recommendation. 
Imogen, have you ever doubted my honor 

Why, surely not, husband. Why do you ask such a ques- 
tion ? 

Edgcumb then proceeded to relate the incidents connected 
with his dismissal — the story of the lost message, the suspicion 
of the Director-in-Chief, and the exciting scene between them 
which came so near having a tragic culmination. Imogen 
listened spell-bound to the details of the affair. As Stanley 
finished and turned to her for a look of approval or reproach, he 
saw her eyes moistened with tears, and, it being too much for 
his sensitive nature, he turned his gaze again into the fire. But 
Imogen, as if to testify to her unshaken confidence, impulsively 
threw her arms about his neck and exclaimed : Oh, Stanley, it 
is hard to see you so unfortunate, but have courage, dear, and 
all will come out right in the end.^^ 

Do you think so, Imogen ? 

“ Yes ; I am sure of it. I know you arc iunocent, but it takes 
time for justice to work out its ends. You will be vindicated 
sometime, I am sure of it. 

“ That is true in the abstract, my wife, but it will not do for 
present purposes. What are we going to do with poverty 


54 


THli DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


staring us in the fiice '? If I don’t obtain work pretty soon 1 
am afraid we shall become tlie county’s wards.” 

“ Don’t speak of such things, Stanley. If you can’t find any- 
thing to do, perhaps I can. You know I have my music to fall 
back upon. ” 

“ But you have not kept up your practice.” 

“ It will all come back to me though. ” 

Imogen had scarcely finished her sentence when a loud knock 
was heard at the door. Casting an inquiring look at her hus- 
band, she arose, hesitatingly, as if undecided what to do. 

“ Some of the neighbors, probably,” remarked Stanley. 

“ I hope it isn’t some one come to spend the evening. I don’t 
feel in an entertaining spirit to-night; neither do I think do 
you. I’ll go and see who it is. ” 

Opening the door, Imogen saw a boy holding a small wooden 
box by a strap in one hand, the other being stuffed in his 
trousers pocket. 

“ What is it, my child? ” she asked, in a kind voice, as she 
saw him hesitate about his errand. 

“ Be this Mr. Edgmund’s house? ” the lad asked in return. 

“ No; Mr. Edgeumb lives here, ” Imogen replied. 

“ Be his name Stanley ? ” the boy asked again. 

“Yes; Stanley Edgeumb,” Imogen answered, wondering 
what could be the nature of his errand. 

“Here’s a letter for him,” said the gamin, and, drawing an 
envelope from his pocket, he placed it in Imogen’s hand, and 
without a word of explanation darted down the steps and was 
out of sight in a moment. 

Imogen noticed that in hastily drawing the envelope from his 
pocket he had dropped a small, folded paper upon the doorstep; 
but in her subsequent surprise at his strange actions she had 
neglected to secure it and returned to her husband’s side. 

Turning to the light she read the superscription: “Stanley 
Edgeumb.” “No street or number, and such queer-looking 
writing. How strange ; I wonder what it is ! The boy rushed 
away as soon as ho gave it to me,” and Imogen passed the 
envelope to her husband, who tore it open before her. 

There was a mutual and unfeigned astonishment as he drew 
forth and unfolded a tweuty-dollar bill. Indeed, it was so groat 


A STABTLING BISCOVEBY. 


55 


that he permitted the envelope to fall to the floor, and Geryl, 
who was playing before the fire, seized it and threw it on the 
coals. Observing the act, Stanley tried to save it from destruc- 
tion, but he was unsuccessful. 

How fortunate, and yet how unfortunate ! You are fortun- 
ate, Stanley, in having so good a friend when you are in need; 
but you are unfortunate in losing the envelope, for there might 
have been a note inside informing you from whom it came.^^ 
Yes, I think there was. I am very sure I saw a piece of 
paper, but it wp^s probably anonymous. I judge so from the 
boy^s action in running away.^^ 

But it might have proved a clew to our kind friend. Now, 
Stanley, you see you have more friends than you supposed. I 
was just on the point of saying, ^Providence will provide for us,’ 
when the knock came at the door. I hope this will give you 
courage. Who do you think it came from ? ” 

Imogen, I am overwhelmed with surprise. I cannot imagine 
who could have been so kind to us.” 

Then recalling the boy’s appearance and words, it occurred to 
Imogen that she had neglected to secure the bit of paper which 
he had lost, and, being curious to know what it might be, she 
stepped to the door, secured it, and returned to examine it by 
the light. It had once been white, but it was now so soiled from 
contact with the filthy contents of the boy’s pocket that she 
unfolded it daintily as if fearing contamination. 

“ Why, Stanley, here’s a message and the writing looks like 
yours.” 

Edgcumb’s thoughts had been so occupied that he had 
scarcely noticed Imogen’s movements; but upon hearing those 
words he looked up in a startled way, for it seemed to recall to 
his mind the incidents which he had just related. 

It’s unintelligible to me; see what you can make of it, 
Stanley.” 

At the first glance a look of consternation spread over Edg- 
cumb’s features, and a dreadful perturbation seized him. My 
God! Imogen, where in the world did you find this? ” 

“ Why, I saw it fall from the boy’s pocket.” 

The boy ! What boy % ” 

The boy who brought the envelope, of coufse.'^ 


56 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


The hofs>pocliet ! 

Yes; and be darted away so suddenly I could not tell him 
of it. I just happened to think of it this minute and went out 
and brought it in ! ’’ 

My God ! How strange, how strange ! 

Stanley, I am amazed at your actions. Do tell me what 
agitates you so. 

Why, Imogen, it is the lost message which has caused me 
so much trouble. How could he have come by it ? I must find 
him, and seizing his hat he rushed excitedly from the house in 
a fruitless endeavor to overtake him. 

Overcome with astonishment, Imogen sank into an easy-chair 
and gave herself up to a contemplation of the remarkable devel- 
opments of the evening. Her reverie was long, and for a time 
undisturbed; but finally, being aroused by the stertorous breath- 
ing of the children, who had fallen asleep on the floor, she 
hastened to prepare them for bed. Then she sat down to wait 
for Stanley. At ten o’clock she was still patient, at eleven she 
had become nervous, at twelve she was filled with anxiety, 
but by one o’clock she had become exhausted and had fallen 
asleep in her chair. 

Edgcumb had been completely bewildered by the sudden dis- 
covery of the lost message in such an unaccountable manner. 
After leaving the house so precipitately he had wandered about 
in an aimless manner, scarcely knowing where he went. He had 
acted on the impulse of the first thought which had entered his 
mind upon beholding the missing telegram — to overtake the 
boy who had dropped it, and thus clear up the mystery. Several 
minutes had elapsed, however, since Imogen had answered the 
summons at the door ; enough to place such a distance between 
them as to render futile any attempt on his part to find him.’ 
He did not stop to consider this; the mad desire blinded him to 
reason. On and on he went, but saw no urchin who would 
admit of having been in the locality. His steps were mechanic- 
ally in the direction of the river, and when nearing it he began 
to realize the hopelessness of his errand. An idea flashed upon 
his mind. He had the lost message with him. He would go to 
Mancel Tewkes’ house, show it to him, and explain the mys- 
terious manner in which it had turned up. He would have a 


A STABTLING DISCOVEHY, 


57 


reconciliation with him. He would apologize for his rash con- 
duct; and Mancel Tewkes, perceiving his innocence, would 
reinstate him in his former position. Here was another im- 
pulse, and his mind, being in an excited state, he seized upon it 
with avidity and accordingly hastened on in the direction of 
Mancel Tewkes’ residence, on Granger street. Half-an-hour^s 
walk sufficed for him to reach the corner of Granger and Wells 
streets. Glancing at the name on the street lamp, he ascertained 
that he was near his destination, then turning the corner he pro- 
ceeded toward the house, but upon reaching an alley he was 
startled by a low, gurgling sound. He paused and listened ; 
the sound came again. Then, taking a step or so in the direc- 
tion from whence it proceeded, he beheld the prostrate form of 
a man. Bending over, he touched him and spoke to him, but 
there came no response but the death rattle in his throat. 
Fearing that a foul crime had been committed, he rushed 
excitedly back to the corner and gave the alarm, upon which a 
small party returned with him to investigate. Lifting the 
inanimate form, they carried it tenderly beneath the lamp-light, 
but the man was dead; a knife was buried in his bosom. Edg- 
cumb leaned forward with morbid curiosity to see his face, but 
started back in horror as he recognized Mancel Tewkes. So 
great was the shock in consequence that he knew not what he 
did, but turned, sickening from the terrible sight, and rushed 
frantically away. He reached his home, but he knew not how. 
He entered, but he knew not how. In the somber gray of the 
morning Imogen awoke and saw Stanley sitting by the cheerless 
grate, where the fire had long since died out. His body was 
bent forward, his elbows restiug upon his knees and his face 
buried in his hands, in an attitude of utter despair. 


CHAPTER Y. 


THE AEEEST. 

Hale an houe after this tragic affair, the three men had 
again met at Madame Renaiurs and were ushered, hy the 
mistress of the dive, into her own room, which was situated on 
the first floor, adjoining the one which was accessible from the 
alley. It was of medium size, and contained a black wooden 
mantel, below which apparently there was an unused fireplace, 
closed up and ornamented with wall paper. 

As soon as the door had closed upon them, Madame Renaud 
gruffly demanded the privilege of counting the spoils, at which 
Coulter and Yitellius turned to the Canadian for an accounting. 
Drawing forth a well-worn leather pocketbook, he gave it to 
the woman. It was a small afiair, the sides of which were col- 
lapsed and sunken, indicating anything but a plethora of con- 
tents. A vicious scowl and an ugly glance at Coulter came 
from the wanton, as she contemptously snatched it from Pintard^s 
hand and opened it. 

Pintard, where’s the swag? It’s the swag I want, not this 
dirty relic of poverty. Ugh! its all damp with blood, too; the 
nasty thing!” 

As Madame Renaud spoke she threw the purse on the fioor 
without opening it, and looked at Pintard with such ferocity 
that he fairly trembled for his life. 

“ There it is, Madame, in the pocketbook; all there is,” the 
Canadian replied, pointing to the fioor. 

“ I’m not to be fooled in that way, sir ; ye’ve got it in yer 
pocket ther»; out with it, ye dog !” 

“I swear, Madame,” Pintard protested, “not another sou 
hev I got. I turned all the pockets inside out of ’im, and 
searched ’im well, but that’s all I found. ” 

Tfie waUet ! There’s nothing in it — let’s see. 

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TtiE AitBEST. 


59 


Madame Ren and took up the pocketbook and opened it. 

“ A twenty-dollar bill and a few dirty papers ! Tliat^s line 
wages for such a job, and the risk of bein^ gibbeted, to say 
nothin^ of all the lush yeVe had on the strength of it.^^ 

Madame Renaud^s eyes glittered like a demon^s. An angry 
flush mounted to her cheeks, and her face, usually red and 
swollen from a constant companionship with the wine-cup, now 
became fairly blue with rage. Turning to Coulter, she exclaimed : 
“ It^s ye, then, ye treacherous dog! It^s ye that 

Saying this, the woman placed her hand in her bosom, and, 
drawing* a knife, made a spring at Coulter, but before she could 
finish the sentence or strike the blow she was seized by Yitellius 
and Pintard. They knew her so well that they had anticipated 
what would happen when it came CoultePs turn to incur her 
wrath. Vitellius muttered something in Italian, while Pintard 
excitedly appealed to her in French to give the man a chance 
to explain before committing so rash an act. 

Coulter was badly frightened; but, instantly collecting his 
wits, said: “ Madame, there is surely some mistake about this. 
It may be that we have killed the wrong man, for I am sure the 
one I intended for the knife had a large amount of money on his 
person, and was to meet another this evening to pay a debt. I 
noticed that you took some papers from the pocketbook. Let 
us examine them; perhaps it will throw some light on the 
matter. 

‘‘ Yes, yes,^^ said Pintard, who was now quite as anxious as 
Coulter to explain the matter satisfactorily to Madame Renaud. 

Madame Renaud consented and the papers were handed to 
Coulter for examination. Unfolding one of them he read as 
follows : 

“ Please return to Maucel Tewkes, Director-in-Cbief of Con- 
tinental Telegraph Co. Residence No. , Granger street. 

Then, with a well-feigned look of surprise. Coulter exclaimed: 

Mancel Tewkes! The devil ! He isnT the man I intended, by 
any means. It was a banker by the name of Gray. I donT 
wonder there isnT any money, Madame. Lets look at the rest — 
yes, they aP bear the name of Mancel Tewkes. We have made 
a miserable mistake. I am very sorry for it. Pintard is an honest 
man ; he has delivered up all he found, Pm 


GO 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


At this juncture Chloe burst into the room excitedly, crying : 
“ Oh, Madame, the cops, the cops! They are in the saloon. 

Into yer hole, hoys, quick ! hissed the woman, at the 
same time snatching the papers from Coulter’s hand and thrust- 
ing them into the wallet. 

Under Vitellius’ touch the hoard which had seemed to cover 
up the unused fireplace suddenly opened, disclosing a dark 
aperture. Into this uninviting place, like frightened rats, the 
three men disappeared. Madame lienaud threw the wallet 
after them and closed the aperture. She had scarcely turned 
away when she found herself in the presence of threa stalwart 
policemen. The house was in a turmoil of excitement. 

The police, as is usual in such cases, upon hearing of the mur- 
der, endeavored to run in all suspicious characters. Conse- 
quently a descent was made upon French Anne’s ” place, 
first of all, for that purpose, but the timely action of Chloe 
thwarted their plans. The rats had scampered away into their 
holes, leaving them with only a few badly-frightened girls and 
the invincible proprietress, who scornfully invited them to 
search wherever they pleased. However, they kei)t possession 
during the night, in order to intercept any suspicious i)ersous 
who might arrive. But at such times none hear of a violent act 
as quickly as do criminals, and they naturally avoid such 
haunts for a time, even though they have had no connection 
with it. Hence the police were obliged to withdraw without 
being able to lay hands upon any one of whom they might have 
the remotest suspicion, or without obtaining any evidence which 
would warrant them in restraining the liberty of the proprietress 
herself. 

Coulter and his companions were long since out of reach of 
the officers. Upon entering the dark aperture described they 
had descended into a narrow subterranean passage, which the 
cunning French woman had caused to be prepared for just such 
emergencies. The work had been done, at odd times, by Vitel- 
lius, Pintard undone or two others, who composed this formida- 
ble gang of desperadoes, and had been found more than once 
invaluable to them as a place of retreat. It was the genius of 
Vitellius who had conceived the idea and suggested it to Madame 
i:cnaud. His long experience in a life of crime had taught him 


THE ABBEST 


61 


that tlio sleuth-hound of the law is ever upon the track of the 
offender, and that it was well to have a convenient hole to slide 
into when one felt the hot, panting breath of his pursuers at his 
heels. This secret passage-way connected with the sewer under 
the street. Whether it was the result of skillful engineering or 
ol‘ a lucky accident, at any rate these burrowers had pierced the 
sewer with a precision worthy of master workmen. An opening 
had been effected at a point where the wall began to arch. It 
was only sufficiently large to admit the body of a man, and so 
effectually was it concealed when closed that it would have been 
difficult, wuthout the aid of brilliant illumination, to have 
detected it from wuthin the sewer. This tunnel served a triple 
purpose. It was an avenue of escape when beset with dangers, 
it was used to secrete the plunder of thefts and robberies, and 
it was also a convenient place for disposing of cadavers. The 
I)ublic may have heard of a mysterious disappearance; a lifeless 
form may have been dragged through the tunnel and dumped 
into the festering tilth of the sewer. There, tumid and half 
devoured by rats, floating along in the sluggish drain, it may 
finally have been carried out into the waters of the river or lake, 
where it may have been recovered and taken to the morgue. 
Unidentified, a hurried inquest, and the ghastly thing was 
throwm into a rude box and carted off*, nobody knew where. 
The robbers had gathered in the spoils, the coroner had earned 
a fee, and a man had lost his life. To the public it was very 
mysterious, but to Madame llenaud or Vitellius and Pintard 
there was no mystery about it whatever. 

Could Coulter have known the uses of this subterranean pas- 
sage, he might have preferred taking his chances with the 
police rather than to have entered such a repulsive place. As 
it was, he knew nothing of it. The aperture opened, Vitellius 
entered, and Pintard, pushing him into the hole, quickly fol- 
lowed himself. There was nothing for him to do but to grope 
his way on in the darkness, upon his hands and knees. He could 
not turn back, for Pintard was close upon him, and whenever 
he paused, half stifled for breath, the Frenchman would utter a 
curse and prod him forward. 

Not knowing where they were taking him. Coulter soon began 
to have fears that the conspiracy had turned upon himself, and 


G2 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


that a plot existed on tlie part of Madame Renaud and the 
crafty villains to make way with him. Every move onward 
was made with reluctance, and, finally, upon reaching the sewer 
opening, he was so overcome with fear and fatigue that his com- 
panions were obliged to push him through. Thus, helpless and 
limp, like a bundle of rags, he fell with a splash into the slimy 
water. There was a noise wliich sounded like the echo of the 
splash, but it was caused by the frightened rats, swishing 
through the water in their endeavor to escape. 

The two men lifted Coulter up and supported him; then, 
groping their way slowly along, they waded through filth to 
their knees, nearly suffocated by the horrible stench of the 
mephitic atmosphere. 

After their entry into the sewer. Coulter began to comprehend 
the situation. He then recognized that he was in one of those 
subterranean arteries which flow with the pollution of a city. 
It became evident that his fears were groundless, and that they 
were, iu reality, making their escape from the officers. Thus 
gaining assurance, he endeavored to disembarrass his com- 
panions. 

Vitellius, in groping along, held his right hand aloft, while sup- 
porting Coulter with his left, and kept it sliding along the center 
of the arch, as if feeling for some object. Suddenly stopping, he 
loosened his grasp of Coulter, who was now quite able to sup- 
port himself, and examined the wall overhead with his hand. 

“ Le void I he suddenly exclaimed to the Canadian. 

Hest Men ; montons de suite, came the reply. 

Pintard, being tall and lissom of limb, then mounted the 
massive shoulders of the Italian, who braced himself with both 
hands against his thighs. After a moments exertion he suc- 
ceeded in removing the cover to the manhole, and, putting his 
head through, peered cautiously about. The way being clear, 
and no one in sight, he then drew himself up through the aper- 
ture with the agility of an athlete. Next removing a stout 
leathern thong from his waist, he lowered it to Vitellius, who, 
seizing it and quickly running a slipping-knot in the end, passed 
it under Coulter’s arms and with a powerful effort lifted him up, 
while Pintard drew him to the pavement. The thong was then 


AitkEBf. 63 

lowered again^ and VitclliuS; climbing baud over hand, joined 
his companions above. 

The next morning Coulter appeared at the office at the usual 
hour. The employes were in a terrible state of excitement. The 
major portion of them had read the details of Mancel Tewkes’ 
assassination in the morning papers, and those who had not 
were quickly apprised of it even before they had reached their 
instruments. Mancel Tewkes had not been an especial favorite 
with them by any means, but nevertheless they were horrified 
to hear of his ruthless taking off. 

Coulter was as calm and self-possessed as ever, assuming im- 
mediate control over affairs, and commanding a cessation of the 
noise and a resumption of duties. After a time, when the com- 
motion had subsided, he seated himself at the desk and began 
to write. 

At the same hour the Chief of Police was closeted in his pri- 
vate office with a number of detectives, discussing the murder 
and the probability of obtaining a clew. They had thus far 
secured nothing upon which to base one. The bloody knife, 
just as it had been drawn from the victim^s breast, lay upon the 
table before him. There was a perplexed look in his face. It 
is strange, indeed, that such a crime can be committed, and at 
such an hour, in a populous city, without some one having wit- 
nessed its x)erpetration. We must investigate the antecedents 
of the murdered man. We shall undoubtedly find some com- 
promising testimony somewhere. Bestir yourselves, gentlemen ; 
our reputation is at stake. Learn all you can about Mancel 
Tewkes’ habits, his associates, correspondence, debts, business 
or social relations. There is something at the bottom of it.” 

The Chief of Poliee had scarcely finished these instructions 
when a letter was handed in by a messenger. Opening it he 
read as follows : 

“Chief of Police, Chicago: 

“Sir — The atrocious murder, last eveirtug, on Crranger street, of Mancel 
Tewkes, the worthy Director-in-Chief of this office, calls for x>rompt action 
by any one who can aid the law in bringing the perpetrator to punishment. 

“ 1 dislike, sir, to cast suspicion upon a fellow man, not knowing, of course, 
if ho be guilty or innocent ; but, in a case like this, where the victim stands 
so near to our hearts, we are apt to lay aside all scruples and compel every 
man, upon whom there rests one iota of suspicion, to give an account of him- 


G4 


THE DVKE OF AECANtJM. 


self. It is in obedience to such a duty that I feel called upon to suggest the 
immediate arrest of Stanley Edgeumb, of Ko. — , Sangamon street, a late 
employe of this company. 

“About a month ago a very important message was lost in this office, it 
having been addressed to a prominent firm on ’Change. It was ascertained, 
beyond a doubt, that Edgeumb, who received the dispatch, suppressed it, in 
order to further the ends of a combination into whose hands ho was secretly 
playing, stealing the contents of dispatches, and profiting by it at the expense 
of others. He was promptly dismissed by the late Mr. Tewkes, and when 
called to the desk and notified of the fact he committed a fiagrant assault 
upon him, and nearly succeeded in taking his life, Avhich he, no doubt, 
intended doing. It was only by rough handling, by some of those present, 
that he was compelled to loosen his grasp upon the Director-in^ Chief’s throat. 

“ 1 have greatly feared that something of this nature would happen to Mr. 
Tewkes ever since that occurrence. His motive may also have been robbery, 
added to that of revenge. 1 am well satisfied that his financial condition is 
low, for yesterday 1 saw him enter a pawnshop. I think, sir, that the only 
money which the murdered man had about his person was twenty dollars, 
for the reason that about two o’clock yesterday afternoon a plumber called 
upon him, at the office, to collect a bill for that amount. I heard him promise 
to call and pay the plumber in the evening. Three hours later, when about 
leaving for home, he suddenly remembered his promise. It was then too late 
to get into the bank, so 1 loaned him the money to keep his obligation. It 
was a twcnty-dollar bill ; the upper right-hand corner had been torn olf and 
pasted on with a narrow strip of yellow paper. 

“If these points are of any value to you in solving the mystery of this 
mournful affair, 1 shall bo most happy to have rendered you the service. 

“ Ilespcctfully, 

“J. Coulter, 

“Acting Diroctor-in-Chief, Continental Telegraph Office.” 

A luiiTicd consultation being bold over tlie contents of the 
letter^ it was decided to act upon the information, and accord- 
ingly two officers were dispatched with all possible haste to 
inahe the arrest. 

Edgeumb had not left the house as usual that morning. He 
had not recovered from the ettect of the occurrences of the night 
before. He could not rouse himself sufficiently to start out. 
To the questions of Imogen, as to where he had been and at 
what hour he had returned, his answer was that he did not know ; 
it seemed to him as if he had been under the influence of some 
horrible dream or nightmare. He had not apprised her of the 
terrible scene which he had witnessed on Granger street. 
Indeed, he was really in doubt as to whether or not it was true. 


THE AEBE&T. 65 

It might after all have been a dream or a vagary of his almost 
distracted mind. 

Of course Imogen was greatly disturbed by the condition of 
affairs in the little household. Paget and Geryl were in a cor- 
ner of the room upon the floor, playing with the cat, their 
childish hearts unmoved by the solemnity of matters about 
them. The canary chirped boisterously in its little cage, which 
hung suspended by a spiral coil in the window, bounding with 
every flutter of the bird. 

Suddenly the door opened and the family were startled by the 
presence of officers. The children ran frightened to their 
mother and instinctively clutched her garments. Even the 
canary, as if awed by the majesty of the law, hushed its melo- 
dious strains. The cat arose, and, stretching its limbs, looked 
up demurely at the intruders. Imogen started up with a cry of 
surprise, while Stanley turned with pale face and inquiring look 
upon them. 

“ Are you Stanley Edgeumb? asked one of the officers. 

“ That is my name, sir,^^ Edgeumb replied. 

Then I place you under arrest, said the officer, producing 
a x)air of manacles. 

“ Arrest ! exclaimed Imogen. Arrest my husband ? There 
must be some mistake, sir. What is it for f 

“ We arrest him upon the charge of murder, ma^am.’^ 

For murder! the poor woman fairly shrieked. For mur- 
der ! My husband ! Murder ! Oh, my God ! can it be that 
my senses fail me that I hear this terrible accusation ! Good 
men, you are not going to put those cruel irons upon my inno- 
cent husband, are you? Oh, Stanley, have I gone daft? Tell 
me what these monsters mean? and overwhelmed by the ter- 
rible significance of their actions, Imogen fell in a swoon in her 
husbanffs arms. 

Laying her tenderly and sorrowfully upon the sofa, Edgeumb 
was about to procure a pillow to place under her head when the 
officers seized him, pinioned his wrists with the manacles and 
dragged him away amidst the heart-rending cries of the chil- 
dren who were frightened by the ruthless manner in which their 
papa was being torn away from them, and the strange white 
face of poor mamma lying insensible before them. The neigh- 

5 


m Titt: DUKE OP aecjanum. 

boT'hood was soon in a corainotion. People rushed out of doors 
01 thrust their heads from the windows, attracted hy the cries 
of the little ones. As Edgeumb was hurried away, however, 
the good women entering the cottage to commiserate the children 
and calm their fears, found Imogen still in a state of uncon- 
sciousness, where Stanley had left her. 

Edgeumb was first taken before the Chief of Police, where a 
thorough search of his clothing was made. In his vest pocket 
two bank-notes were found, one of them being a twenty-doll ar 
bill, with a narrow strip of yellow paxjer pasted across the upper 
right-hand corner, the identical one described in Coulter’s letter ; 
the other, of smaller denomination, being the one he had received 
from the pawnbroker as a loan upon his watch. From another 
pocket a pawnbroker’s ticket was taken, a further corroboration 
of Coulter’s letter. A further search revealed the lost message, 
which was hurriedly sent to the telegraph office for identification 
by Coulter, who, of course, pronounced it to be the missing mes- 
sage, of which Edgeumb had denied all knowledge. The Chief 
of Police saw that be had a damaging case against the prisoner 
even before he had plied him with questions, and any expla- 
nation which Edgeumb attempted to make was received with a 
smile of derision. 

“ I see, ” said the chief, after the search was completed, “ that 
you have a pawn ticket of yesterday’s date which calls for the 
payment of eleven dollars — which I presume is interest included 
— in sixty days. You would hardly have pledged your watch 
if you had been in funds. How do you account for the other 
tw^entyf ” 

“ It was brought to my house in an envelope last evening and 
given to my wife, who went to the door.” 

“ Who did it purport to come from*? ” 

I am unable to say. I supposed at the time that it had 
been sent by some kind friend who thought that 1 was in 
distress.” 

Was there no name accompanying it? ” 

“ There might have been one in the envelope, but I did not 
see it.” 

“ What became of the envelope? ” 

“ My child threw it in the fire.” 


THE AEJREST 


67 


“ It is very strange that you did not examine it before per- 
mitting it to be destroyed. That does not look very plausible. 

“ I did not permit the child to burn it. I opened the envelope 
and drew out the bill. My astonishment at finding the money 
was so great that the envelope fell from my bands to the floor. 
The child saw it and threw it into the fire.^^ 

Ibn afraid that a jury would not accept such a story as that. 
Do you know of any one that would have been likely to send 
you that amount of money? 

I do not, sir ; I canb account for it.^^ 

“ What is your occupation ? 

“ I have none. I am a telegrapher, but I have been out of 
employment for a month. 

“ Where were you employed? 

“ In the Continental Telegraph Office. 

Were you discharged? 

“Yes — sir — I was,^^ Stanley replied with some hesitation, 
and wondering why his questioner should have suspected it. 

“ What was the cause of your dismissal ? 

“ A message was lost and I think Mr. Tewkes laid it to me.^^ 

“ To whom was the message addressed? 

“ To Grummond & Co.’^ 

“ Well, sir, we have found such a message on your person. 
It would appear that Mancel Tewkes^ suspicions were correct.^’ 

“ It is false, sir; his suspicions'^ 

“ False ! Why, man, here it is, an incontrovertible fact.^^ 

“ I mean that the charge is false. 

“ Then how is it that we find this dispatch on your person? 

“ My wife found it upon our door-step last night, after the 
envelope was delivered to her. She saw it fall from the pocket 
of the boy who brought the envelope. 

“ Ah, very likely. How could it have come into his posses- 
sion ? 

“ It is as mysterious to me, sir, as to you, but it is the solemn 
truth, nevertheless.^^ 

The Chief of Police looked very incredulous. “ You commit- 
ted an assault upon Mr. Tewkes at the time of your discharge, did 
you not? 


C8 


THE DUKE OF ABCAKUM. 


I did, but it was in the beat of passion, aroused by bis unjust 
conduct toward me. I regretted it afterward. 

“ Yes, I should presume you would in the present aspect of 
the case. Where were you last evening between eight and ten 
o’clock? ” 

Edgcumb hesitated a moment, as if trying to clear up his 
thoughts. The events of the night before had left such horrible 
impressions upon his mind that he could scarcely bring himself 
to a realization that they were true. As the Chief of Police 
asked the question his memory turned suddenly to the ghastly 
sight of the murdered man. A tremor ran through his frame, 
and his voice became unsteady as he spoke: “ I left the house 
soon after my wife gave me the lost message, to try and find the 
boy who brought the envelope. I wandered around awhile, 
and then decided to go to Mancel Tewkes’ house and tell him 
how the message had turned up, but I found him dead, just 
inside of an alley on Granger street, before I reached his 
house. ” 

The Chief of Police and the detectives looked at each other 
in astonishment as the admission came from the prisoner that 
he was in the neighborhood of the tragedy about the time of its 
occurrence. 

You say that you started for Mr. Tewkes’ house and found 
him dead in an alley before you reached it. What were you 
doing in the alley? ” 

I was attracted by his groans, sir? ” 

“ Yes, but you said that you found him dead. How can a 
dead man groan? ” 

“ I did not mean to say that he was dead, but nearly so,” 
answered Edgcumb, confusedly. 

“ Oh, well, these contradictions don’t add much strength to 
your story. How did you know, in the darkness, that it was 
]\Tancel Tewkes ? I suppose you recognized him by his groans, 
didn’t you? ” asked the chief, rather sarcastically. 

I ran to the corner and gave the alarm. Some men went 
back with me and carried him out to the street-lamp. I saw 
then that it was Mancel Tewkes. After that I remember noth- 
ing, for I was paralyzed. The shock was so great that it 
seemed to turn my brain.” 


THE AliliEST. 


00 


Altogether the Chief of Police thought that the evidence 
against the suspect was remarkably strong^ and the officers were 
ordered to take him to prison. Thereupon it was announced 
that the murderer of Mancel Tewkes had been apprehended 

Fifteen minutes later EdgcumVs description had been taken 
and he found himself in the lugubrious situation of a prisoner in 
the city prison. He heard the clank of the heavy iron doors 
behind him, the grating noise of the lock as the bolt was turned 
upon him, and the retreating footsteps of the turnkey ; then he 
realized that he was alone within the narrow precincts of a cell. 

In the next instant he was seized with the most horrible 
thoughts and misgivings. Again the terrible memories of the 
X)receding night dashed upon hini, and for the first time his 
mind seemed to fully grasp the fact that it was not an ugly 
dream, but a reality; that Mancel Tewkes had been murdered, 
and that he was suspected of the crime. 

Following closely upon these maddening thoughts, as if to 
increase his despair, there came a recollection of the sorrowful 
scene at home. He could see his wife stretched upon the sofa, 
pale and unconscious. He could hear the terror-stricken wail 
of his- children as he was torn from them, and it drove him 
nearly frantic. His brain was on fire, and he threw himself 
prone upon the rude bunk which occupied the major portion of 
his cell, overcome by his emotions, and for a time it seemed as 
if his mind would give way under the mighty strain to which it 
was subjected. He cursed the law that would take an innocent 
man from the bosom of his family and cast him into x^rison. He 
called upon God, who knew his innocence, to restore him to 
liberty and not sufier such injustice. His soul was flooded with 
an anguish the intensity of which found only a x^arallel in the 
sulfering heart of his disconsolate wife at home. Sx3ringing to 
his feet, he clutched his head with his hands as if to restrain his 
bursting temples, then, pacing the narrow limits of his cell, he 
glared wildly between the grated bai’S, only to turn and cast 
himself hopelessly again upon his prison couch in the gloom. A 
feverish delirium followed, and all of that day and well into the 
night the solitude of his cell was broken by his incoherent mut- 
terings. The turnkey, in making his rounds, paused to listen 
to his delirious ravings; but, as is always the case when a man 


70 


TEE DUKE OE ABCANVM, 


occupies a felon^s cell, every act and word is construed against 
him. So did the turnkey suspect that the prisoner was playing 
the role of a maniac to evade the penalty of the law. 

^Morning came and the prison was astir. The clank of the 
heavy iron doors resounded along the corridors as the turnkey 
made his way from cell to cell. As he opened that of Edgcumb^s 
the loud noise seemed to arouse the prisoner from his stupor, 
and as it swung with a rasping sound upon its hinges he bolted 
upright upon his couch and gazed wildly about him. The 
jailer stopped a moment at the entrance and regarded him in a 
doubtful way, half inclining to believe that he was not feigning 
the disturbance of mind after all. Edgcumb was only dazed 
from the sudden awakening of his benighted faculties. He 
looked about, first at the man in the doorway, then at the little 
grated window above, near the ceiling, through which crept a 
stingy ray of light. Then, rubbing his eyes, he fixed a bewil- 
dered stare upon tlie turnkey. The latter addressed him : 

‘‘ What’s the matter, my boy, you look sort o’ scared f ” 

“ Where am I f ” demanded Edgcumb, as he heard the jailer’s 
voice. 

You’re in prison, sir, where you’re apt to stay for some time 
to come.” 

“ In prison? Ah, it all comes to me now,” Stanley muttered, 
placing his hand to his brow as unpleasant memories crowded 
upon his mind. “ Yes, they say I murdered Mancel Tewkes.” 

“ Yes, and you left a hole in him big enough to stick in a 
sunbeam,” said the turnkey, in a dry attempt at humor. 

Edgcumb’s eyes snapped resentment. He rose upon his feet, 
staggered from weakness, and replied : ‘‘ It is false, sir ; I am 

as innocent of that deed as you are yourself. ” 

“ Come now, my boy,” said the jailer, “ that’s the same old 
game they all play. I’ve been here now these twenty years, and 
I’ve yet to see a man behind these bars who’ll admit he’s 
guilty of a crime. ’Tain’t natural that he should. I don’t 
expect to hear a man give himself away. Brace up and make 
the best of it. It’s a bad place to get into unless a man’s got 
heaps of money, and a feller has need of a cool head when he 
gets in a fix like you’re in.” 

How long have I been here ? ” inquired Edgcumb. 


THE ABTtEST. 71 

“ Since yesterday morning. You haven^t forgotten so soon, 
have you f 

It seems like a horrible nightmare to me. But my wife, sir, 
have you any news from her ? 

Your wife ! I didn^t know you had one before. Til find 
out from the police if I can. But, man, here’s some food; you 
must eat something, as you haven’t eaten a mouthful since 
you’ve been here,” saying which the jailer deposited a dish of 
coarse food upon a stool, then slamming the grated door be 
locked it and proceeded to the next cell. 

Although he had passed a day and a night without nourish- 
ment of any kind, yet even now the sight of food was most 
repulsive to Edgcumb in his present state of mental demoraliza- 
tion; but he felt that the advice of the gruff old jailer was very 
sensible, and he concluded to follow it and make the best of it. 
To keep up without eating was an impossibility, therefore he 
would eat. He felt that he owed a great duty to his family in 
keeping up both strength and courage, “ for where there is life 
there is hope.” Then seizing the uninviting portion allotted to 
him, he attempted to smother his prejudice with a few morsels 
of it. The sense of taste was far from being delighted, but, 
nevertheless, a few minutes later he thought he felt better and 
stronger from the nourishment. 

Edgcumb now gave himself up to a contemplation of the 
situation. It was the first moment of calmness which had come 
to him since Imogen had placed the lost message in his hand on 
the evening of the murder. His first thoughts were of his 
family — of the deplorable situation they would be left in should 
he be imprisoned for any length of time. The case had been 
distressing enough before his arrest, but it was now absolutely 
desperate. The police had seized what little money he had, 
including the twenty-dollar bill sent him by — he paused in his 
meditation as the memory of that mysterious matter flashed 
upon him, for he was seized with a vague feeling of apprehen- 
sion that the anonymous gift was intended to bring him into 
trouble. He had noticed that the Chief of Police had observed 
some peculiarity about one of the bills. He did not know 
which. He had appeared to identify one of them, for he had 
geen bim give a knowing wink to one of liis subordipates wflU^ 


72 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


pointing to some peculiarity upon it; and then they had held a 
whispered consultation together. The more he thought of it 
the more uneasy he became ; but still, he could not see what 
hearing it could have on the murder of Mancel Tewkes, as he 
had come into possession of both of them previous to that 
horrible event. While his thoughts were thus occupied, he 
heard voices in the corridor. They seemed to he approaching 
his cell. A moment later he saw the turnkey stop before the 
grated door. There was a noisy clank of the heavy bolt. Tbe 
door swung upon its hinges ; a cry from a feminine voice followed, 
and Edgcumb and his wife found themselves in each other’s 
embrace. 


CHAPTER YI. 


JAMES KYE. 

The events which transpired during the first few weeks of 
Edgcuroh’s incarceration were merely the preliminary forms of 
procedure in criminal prosecution. It would be unnecessarily 
wearying to go into all the details of the coroner’s inquest and 
the grand jury’s investigation. It is sufficient to say that he 
was indicted for the murder of Maucel Tewkes. As a vast 
amount of crime had recently prevailed, the criminal calender 
was full, and it was evident that ihany months would elapse 
before his case could be brought to trial before the proper tri- 
bunal. The law’s delays, and the hardships of a long imprison- 
ment often resulting therefrom, are seldom viewed by the func- 
tionaries of justice in the light of a misfortune, such as they 
sometimes are. The law takes no cognizance of inconvenience 
to men. It is true that to one who is guilty of an overt act, 
these delays are very acceptable, for the greater the delay the 
greater he regards his chance of an acquittal ; but to a man 
like Edgcumb, whose innocence towered before him like a rock 
from the deep, and which, to him, seemed as in vincible, a deten- 
tion of that duration was unendurable. To have attempted to 
scale the icy crests of the Himalayas would have been a more 
welcome task than this unc'ertain durance, even with the cer- 
tainty of an acquittal in the end. But the law was inexorable, 
and there was nothing to do but to submit and chafe at the 
unfortunate circumstances which had made it a necessity. The 
only alternative was the possibility of an escape from prison. 
He pondered over it much. It is the first impulse which seizes 
one whose liberty is restrained. It was even suggested to him 
by his fellow-prisoners when he mingled with them in the cor- 
ridor. It was intimated also that a jail- deli very was being 
planned, and that he might join the conspirators if he desired, 

73 


74 


THE DUKE OF ABCANU3L 


and perhaps gain his liberty. He did not commit liimself, how- 
ever, hut gave it much tliought. Frequently, as lie lay upon 
his bed thinking of his family and his cruel fate, he would 
reach that state of desperation where he was almost willing to 
avail himself of any opportunity that might offer to escape from 
the misery of his situation; hut when moments of calmness 
came, he reasoned in a different strain. He knew that if he 
should succeed in making his escape he would be separated 
from his family as effectually then as now. He knew that he 
would be tormented by a constant apprehension of safety. 
Then there came strong convictions of an acquittal. He was 
innocent, and an innocent man could certainly not be convicted. 
He felt that to take flight and become a fugitive would be a 
virtual acknowledgment of guilt in the eyes of the world. No; 
he was determined to abide by the result, for that result could 
not be other than a vindication of his fair name. “ What is 
liberty, or even life under such circumstances, gained by the 
forfeiture of home, honor and friends! he asked, himself. 
“ Come what would, he could not contemplate such a stop. He 
would stand his trial fearlessly. His confinement became irk- 
some in the extreme. Occasionally he would chafe under its 
rigors, but after awhile he began to take a more philosophical 
view of aflairs, and to put forth heroic efforts to subdue the 
ennui of the situation. 

Imogen was permitted to see Stanley frequently, and she 
invariably brought the children with her. These tender meet- 
ings were the events of EdgcumVs prison life, but the huge iron 
gratings at the end of the corridor kept them apart. They 
talked between the bars, with their faces pressed closely against 
them. At first the children were frightened by the surround- 
ings, but they gradually became reconciled. The father bent 
down, taking Paget^s little hand in his own, while Geryl, reach- 
ing through tlie bars, patted his face lovingly and asked: 

Papa, why do you stay here! Why dofft you come home any 
more! 

Edgcumb could not reply. He felt strong emotions rise up 
and choke him, and it seemed as if he could no longer smother 
them by a calm submis.don to his fate. In his impotency he cast 
a hel])less Jook \it Imogen, as if imploring her to find an auswep 


JAMES KYE. 


75 


to the innocent question of his child. The answer came, but it 
was a tear. Wliat answer is more potent than a tearf Even 
the child grasped its meaning and nestled its little head silently 
upon the hand which was thrust through the grating. These 
interviews generally lasted but a short time, as the cares which 
had devolved upon Imogen since the arrest fully claimed all of 
her time and attention. But Edgcumb felt better after them, 
for the whispered words of cheer and consolation from a loving 
wife endure long in a heart bowed by misfortune and trouble. 

James Kye had proved himself a steadfast friend from the 
first day of Edgcumb^s imprisonment. '"He alone was the only 
one of his acquaintances in the office who had called to see him 
in his hour of trouble, but Kye had been unceasing in his atten- 
tions. He had kept him well supplied with books to occupy his 
mind, and frequently stood for hours outside the grating convers- 
ing with him, giving him the current news of the office and the 
wires, bringing word from his family, and stimulating hope as 
best he could. He had already become a privileged character 
at the prison, and the doors were frequently opened for him to 
mingle with the prisoners. 

Edgcumb had remarked that nearly all the reading matter 
which Kye had brought for his perusal were books of the higher 
grades; volumes of electrical science, astronomy, philosophy, 
political economy, physiology, psychology, etc. He marveled 
much at this, as it was a singular coincidence with his own 
tastes. He observed that the volumes all had the appearance of 
being much used, with many criticisms and reflections penciled 
on the margins of the pages. Could it be possible that this man, 
who had been the butt of ridicule and the jest of the office, 
whose droll actions had excited the mirth of all who had noticed 
them — this man, of such singular and reticent disposition, who 
kept aloof from all associations with his fellowmen, and whose 
intellect many supposed had been impaired by some untoward 
circumstance — could it be possible, after all, that he was a man 
of erudition*? Stanley had perceived that there was something 
about Key’s life which was involved in mystery. He would 
talk quite freely on many subjects, but with any reference to 
his past life he became as silent as the walls of the prison about 


70 


THE DUKE OE AlWANUM. 


him, and would fiill into that peculiar state of abstraction which 
has been previously described. 

Edgcumb had talked freely with Kye at different times upon 
the subject of the murder and the accusation against himself. 
There was no doubt whatever, in Eye’s mind, of his friend’s 
innocence of any connection with the deplorable afiiiir of 
Granger street, but he felt uneasy, fearing that machinations 
were at work which would prove exceedingly formidable when 
the case should come to trial. His own personal observations 
had caused him to have vague feelings of apprehension. As to 
Edgcumb, he merely considered himself a victim of circum- 
stances, or of fate. He had long since told Kye of the strange 
way in which the message had been found, and the story of the 
anonymous note with the twenty-dollar bill inclosed. 

One evening, shortly after dusk, the turnkey admitted Kye 
to the corridor for a few minutes’ talk with the prisoner. The 
latter being locked in his cell, they were obliged to converse 
through the grated door. The conversation had turned upon 
the lost message. Had it been possible to discern the counte- 
nance of his visitor, Edgcumb would have noticed an ominous 
look upon it as this subject was reverted to. Hut there being 
but a solitary gas-jet burning at the end of the corridor, dimly 
illuminating that i)ortiou where the cell was located, he was 
only enabled to see the outline of his tigure, which appeared 
like a silhouette in the prevailing gloom. 

“ No, I confess,^’ said Edgcumb to his visitor, I am unable 
to find a motive which should cause any one to purposely lead 
me into this trouble. The truth is, it is all circumstantial. The 
police, no doubt, think that, because I unfortunately gave way 
to my passions and assaulted Mancel Tewkes at the time of my 
dismissal, and because I was the first to discover his corpse, 
that I committed the crime. Hut 1 think they will have great 
difficulty in persuading a jury to believe that I am guilty. Have 
you ever thought that the lost message had any bearing on this 
case*? 

Yes; I think it had,^’ replied Kye, impressively. 

An indiscribable feeling comes over me when I think of the 
disappearance and reappearance of that message; but 1 fail to 
see how it can have any connection with my present trouble. 


JAMES KYE, 77 

What possible relations could exist between it and the murder 
of a man! 

Edgcumb, a man who is innocent of a crime charged against 
him magnifies his innocence above everything else. He is apt 
to think of but one thing — his innocence. The world is full of 
cunning and intrigue; you often find it where you least expect 
it.'' 

What; do you think I am the victim of a conspiracy? " 

Kye usually deliberated somewhat before answering a direct 
question, as if carefully considering how he should reply. His 
manner of speaking was slow, and frequently hesitating. Pres- 
ently he drawled out merely two words, but they had much 
significance for Edgcumb : W-e-11, y-e-s." 

“ Kye, you surprise me. I didn't know that you entertained 
such thoughts. What is the nature of your suspicions, and 
what do you base them on ? " 

“ I have seen things which have a strange look, and, being 
naturally of a suspicious turn of mind, I have associated them 
with this case. I have opportunities for observation which you 
do not possess, being shut up in this narrow cage." 

“Well, that may be true ; you have decided suspicions then 
against some one? " 

“ No, not decided; I may say that I have suspicions, however. 
They may yet develop into something tangible, and of impor- 
tance. Time only can tell. I do not wish to say that the man is 
guilty from mere suspicions that I may entertain, but 1 do say 
that I have seen actions on his part which look extremely 
doubtful. " 

“ On whose part ; who do you refer to? " 

“ Haven't you any idea? " 

“ None whatever, my friend.'’ 

Kye cast a quick, nervous glance up and down the corridor ; 
then pressing his face against the bars he whispered, in sibilant 
tones: “ Jack Coulter, the Director-in- Chief." 

Edgcumb was staggered for a moment by this announcement. 
He had never suspected Coulter of having had any connection 
with the disappearance of the message, or with his later troubles; 
but the memory of that remarkable contest on the wires, when 
he had taken Kye's place at the table, instantly stirred him at 


78 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


the mention of Coulter’s name. He remembered his hateful look 
after the contest had ended, and it seemed to stimulate thoughts 
which had hitherto been foreign to his rellections. “ Jack 
Coulter ! he muttered, in a manner which indicated great 
astonishment. “ Is it possible that you are suspicious of him ? 

“Yes; Jack Coulter, the Director-in-Chief,’’ repeated Kye, 
giving a peculiar emphasis to the title, at which Edgcumb fell 
into a fresh train of meditations. “ What a change had come 
over the affairs of Coulter and himself in the last few months ! 
How widely their paths had differed ! Coulter had gained 
position and honor, while he had achieved the distinction of a 
suspected felon. For several minutes he thus unpleasantly 
mused ; then, suddenly remembering Kye’s remarkable asser- 
tion, he said, apologetically, “ My friend, you may wonder at 
my silence, but the title of Director-in-Chief, which you applied 
to Coulter, caused comparisons between our past and present 
conditions to rise in my mind.^^ 

“ Comparisons are odious, suggested Kye. “ Wait and you 
may see the situation reversed.’^ 

“ Keversed ! Ah, I fear not ! I know, my dear fellow, that 
were it in your power to change the dictum of fate it would be 
reversed this very instant. I am fully sensible to all your noble 
efforts in my behalf, and God knows I only ask to be spared to 
repay them. But tell me what connection you think Coulter 
may have had with this matter, and what are your grounds for 
suspicion*'^ 

“ To begin with, you recollect that the message was lost on 
the same day of your remarkable contest. 

“ Yes; I remember, replied Edgcumb. 

“ Well, I saw something that morning which I did not consider 
of importance at the time, but which has since been strangely 
impressed upon me. I remember distinctly of seeing you leave 
your table for a few minutes, and I was attracted by Coulter’s 
peculiar actions immediately after, for he turned his head 
quickly about, in one direction and then another, as if to see if 
he were observed. He looked at me, and I at him ; but you 
know Coulter thinks I am non-compos. He knows my affliction 
and deludes himself with the supposition that when I am in 
those spells of abstraction I am not in a responsible condition. 


SAMBS KtB. 


n 

He undoubtedly thought so when he regarded me so critically, 
but he was deceived. Well, I saw him lean over the table and 
put something, I could not tell what, in the newspaper lying 
behind your instrument. I think it must have been that mes- 
sage. 

I hardly think him capable of that, Edgcumb doubtfully 
replied. 

“ Capable ! exclaimed Kye, disdainfully. “ I don^t think 
that he would have any compunctions whatever if he could serve 
some purpose by doing so. 

I fear you are prejudiced against him, Kye.^^ 

I presume I am; but that very prejudice may yet prove 
valuable in clearing up the matter. First to come is prejudice, 
then follows suspicion, accusation, proof and conviction. If I 
should finally succeed in bringing about a conviction, it would 
only be a result of that first prejudice which caused me to be 
on the alert with my suspicions. 

Yes,^^ replied Edgeumb, there is some logic in that argu- 
ment; but sometimes prejudice is so strong that justice is barred 
out entirely. What motive do you think Coulter could have 
had in committing such an act ? 

“ Eevenge for your interference in my behalf, and, perhaps, 
with a view of getting rid of the only rival he had in the 
office. 

But what has that to do with my arrest for the murder of 
Mancel Tewkes 

“ It may have a direct connection, and I will explain how. 
Coulter may have taken that means of getting rid of you ; I 
saw him talking with Mr. Tewkes just before you were dis- 
missed. That is what first aroused my suspicions. After you 
were out of the way he was promoted. He became still more 
ambitious, and killed Mancel Tewkes, hox)ing to secure his 
place and charge the murder upon you. He prepared the way 
by sending you the twenty-dollar bill, and I think you will hear 
from it later, for the day of your arrest I saw a man whom I 
recognized as the Chief of Police holding a conference with 
him. They were examining something, and, being curious to 
know what it was, I got up and walked by them and saw 
that it was a twenty-dollar bill. Could we only find the boy 


80 


THE DUKE OF AIWANUM. 


who brought it to your house, it would settle the matter. I am 
making every effort to find him.’^ 

“ Kye, you are a noble friend, and for my sake I hope you 
will succeed. There may be some truth in your reasoning. I 
already begin to feel a great reliance upon your help in extri- 
cating me from this miserable affair. I am almost dumfounded 
by your statement, for I never suspected Coulter of such vil- 
lainy. If such is the case, for once I have been deceived. 
One does not look for such reptiles among his own friends and 
companions, and he becomes, in a measure, disarmed. 

That is true, answered Kye, “but he has never been a 
friend or companion of mine, so my prejudice, as you call it, has 
had full play. But I have not finished iny story. 1 have been 
ferreting this matter out for some time and I feel convinced that 
I am right. 1 have watched Coulter, following him night after 
night, in hopes of seeing something which would strengthen my 
suspicion, but it was not until a day or so ago that my surveil- 
lance was rewarded. I was sauntering along Kinzie street in 
the evening and was approaching Wells street when 1 suddenly 
came upon two men standing near the curbstone talking in sup- 
pressed tones. One of them, appearing to recognize me, tried 
to avoid me by abruptly turning his head, but I was too quick 
for him ; it was Coulter. Walking on to the corner I crossed 
the street and stood in the shadow of a building. Presently 
they separated, going in opposite directions. Then 1 followed 
the stranger and saw him enter ‘ French Anne’s^ notorious dive 
by the alley door. There being a saloon in front, connected 
with the establishment, I concluded to go in and reconnoiter. 
There was a motley crowd of cut-throats and prostitutes there. 
The air was thick with tobacco smoke and the odor of liquor, 
while the foul language which mingled with the noxious atmos- 
phere would liave shocked the devil himself. I felt inclined to 
retreat as speedily as 1 had entered, but having had a puri)osc 
in going there I was determined to see it through. My entrance 
did not seen to attract much attention, so I took a chair in a 
part of the room where I could have a good view of the door 
leading to the rear part of the house. No sooner had I seated 
myself, however, than one of the girls, with painted cheeks and 
breath reeking with the fumes of whisky, rushed up, and with- 


JAMES KYE. 


81 


out any ceremony whatever threw herself into my lap, clasping 
both arms tightly around my neck. Then, giving me a smack 
on the mouth with her big, sensuous lips, aod tapping me under 
the chin with her finger, she exclaimed: ‘I like your looks, you 
unsoijhisticated lambkin; did you ever hold a girl before?’ I 
suppose, were it light enough here to see your face, I might 
discover a smile upon it. Well, it had to be endured, but 
I found it a very tentative undertaking. I bought a bottle of 
wine, at her suggestion, of course, and we had just begun to 
bibble the atrocious stuff when the door opened slightly, a man’s 
head appeared and a jargon of gibberish French was hurled at 
an old harridan behind the bar — Madame Kenaud, he called 
her. The villain rolled his eyes over the room and caught sight 
of me. Whether he recognized me or not I could not say, but 
at any rate he drew back and shut the door. Then I asked the 
wanton who he was, and she replied, ^Why, that’s Pintard, 
Madame Penaud’s man.’ That was what J had come to ascer- 
tain, and it was all I wished to know, for he was the same per- 
son I had seen with Coulter a few minutes before. ” 

Edgcumb laughed heartily at Kye’s description of his 
adventure. It was the first time since his imprisonment that 
his narrow cell had resounded with such merry tones. His 
troubles were momentarily forgotten. The droll manner in 
which Kye had related the grotesque scene in the bar-room 
struck him so ludicrously that he could not restrain his merri- 
ment even at his friend’s expense. Kye laughed also in a quiet 
way, but, remembering that he had nor finished his story, he 
assumed a graver tone, and continued : 

“ I am sure that Coulter recognized me, for continually since 
then he has looked at me in a very suspicious manner, as 
if aware of my surveillance and purpose to bring him into 
trouble. ” 

You had better be careful, my boy, or he will get you into 
trouble instead. You know that he is Director-in-Chief now, 
and can dismiss you whenever he pleases. I hope you will not 
bring trouble upon yourself on my account. Y ou know that I 
fully appreciate your good work, but by all means be more 
careful. Have you seen the man Pintard since ? ” 

I have.” 

6 


82 


ms ntikt: OF amcanvm. 


“ Where did yon see him 

in the vestibule of the prison, handcuffed, as I came 
through to see you.^^ 

What, here in prison, to-night? asked Edgeumb, in 
astonishment. 

“ Yes, most assuredly.^’ 

“ Are you certain that it was the same man ? 

“ I am positive of it.^^ 

“ Well, that^s the kind of company your Director-in-Chief 
keeps, is it? It does have a very compromising aspect, indeed. 
There may be more in your suspicions than 1 thought. You 
have displayed remarkable shrewdness, Kye. I dare say there’s 
not another man in the office who has had those same thoughts 
or suspicions. Keep on, my friend; I see a ray of hope; but be 
as careful as you can. ” 

Just then the heavy iron door at the end of the corridor 
swung open and the turnkey entered with a prisoner, two 
officers following behind. The dull tread of the four men was 
plainly audible in the stillness of the corridor. Slowly they 
advanced until they reached the spot where Kye was standing, 
then the turnkey, in his usual stoical manner, remarked: 
“ We’re getting pretty crowded here, so we have got to double 
you up. ” 

Kye scrutinized the prisoner; the prisoner looked at him; 
there was a manifestation of mutual recognition between them, 
but neither spoke a word. The turnkey opened the door of 
Edgeumb’s cell, removed the manacles from the prisoner’s 
wrists, and pushed him in. Then, turning the bolt upon them, 
he retired to the vestibule, followed by his deputies and the 
eccentric visitor. 

That night Edgeumb’s cell presented a strange anomaly. 
Two men were inmates of its narrow walls, surrounded by 
impenetratable gloom. They had never looked upon each 
other’s faces. One was the accused and the other the actual 
murderer of Mancel Tewkes; for Edgeumb’s cellmate was none 
other than Pintard, who had been arrested for another crime. 
Ilow little did the former suspect that the man who shared his 
prison couch was the one of all men who could open the grated 
doors and restore him to liberty were he disposed to give up the 


JAMES KYE, 


83 


terrible secret which lay buried in his infamous heart ; and how 
little, likewise, did the latter know that his companion in dark- 
ness, whose presence he could feel but not distinguish, was 
suffering untold mental anguish on account of a crime which he 
himself had committed. Side by side they lay, each wondering 
who the other was, or how he would appear by day ; each 
disinclined to talk, yet an interest unconsciously existing 
betweeii them as great as ever existed between two human 
beings. 


CHAPTEE VII. 


THE ABDUCTIOH. 

CouLTEK bad indeed recognized Kye, as the latter had sup- 
posed, while in Pintard^s company on Kinzie street. He had 
met Pintard accidentally. They had not met since they had 
parted at the manhole of the sewer on the night of the murder. 
Coulter had fully realized the danger to his reputation in being 
seen with such a character, whom the police had almost con- 
stantly under surveillance, but he could not well avoid it. He 
did not dare to incur his displeasure, as he was too well aware 
of the dangerous nature of the man. Pintard knew too much to 
take any risks with him ; moreover, circumstances might yet arise 
in which he would need his assistance, hence he greeted him 
cordially, but kept his restless eyes turned in all directions, on 
the alert for the police. 

Pintard began by upbraiding Coulter for avoiding the house, 
when the latter interrupted him, saying: It was a matter of 
prudence, Pintard. I left the city after that unfortunate alfair 
of ours and have just returned. It was a miserable blunder 
that we made in identifying our man.^’ 

“ We ! Ye’d better say ^e. It was yer fault, not mine. I done 
my part and done it well, pard. Yer the man that made the 
mistake, not me nor Viteilius.” 

Well, that is true ; I’ll admit I was to blame. I thought I 
had better make myself scarce for awhile, but I think there is 
no danger now, for I hear they have a fellow under arrest for 
the murder. How is everything at the Madame’s? ” 

Everything goes all right ’cept with the gal. ” 

What girl do you refer to ? ” 

Why, Chloe, of course.” 

What’s the matter with Chloe ? ” 

She’s grievin’ over ye; ye might ’a knowed it.” 

84 


THE ABDUCTION, 


85 


She^s a fool. Does she know anything about that affair? 

No ; not a word; but Pll tell ye what, she’s been lookin’ all 
over the city fur ye. She thinks ye’ve took another gal. Now, 
pard, ye don’t want to give her the slip all to once, for she’s a 
wildcat when she gits her dander up.” 

I guess you’re right, Pintard. Well, you needn’t mention 
seeing me. Pll drop in some evening.” 

As Coulter spoke he saw^ a man approaching, and, straining 
his eyes anxiously, he became assured that he was not an 
officer. However, he did not relax his vigilance. So full of 
watchfulness had he become that Pintard’s answer was un- 
heeded. As the man who was walking leisurely upon the outer 
edge of the walk came abreast of them he recognized Kye, and 
to avoid recognition by his subordinate he turned his head 
’ abruptly to one side, but unavailingly. It was evident that he 
was known. As Kye passed on he called Pintard’s attention to 
him. The wily Canadian, however, had noticed his sudden 
aversion, for a criminal is ever on the alert with his eyes in all 
directions, and nothing escapes them. 

“ Yes, 1 seed him look pretty sharp at ye, pard. Who is it?” 
demanded Pintard. 

That’s a friend of Edgcumb’s, the fellow who killed Mancel 
Tewkes,” Coulter replied, giving Pintard a nudge with his 
elbow. 

The Canadian, making a suitable grimace in recognition of 
the point, replied: “ Well, he needs tendin’ to then, if he’s a 
spy. You know what they always do to spies.” 

“ I feel a little uneasy about him, for I’m afraid that he knows 
more than we suspect; but it will not take us long to get rid of 
him if he does. Leave him to me, Pintard ; I can measure him 
and his intentions to a scruple.” 

“ All right; keep an eye on ’im.” 

Kye disappeared around the corner, and Coulter, feeling dis- 
turbed by the incident, suggested: “Pintard, we had better 
be off ; while you walk down to the Madame’s, I will go a few 
steps and retrace them. I want to see if the fellow follows 
either of us; if he does, that settles it.” 

Pintard proceeded at once in the direction of French Anne’s. 
Taking the opposite direction for a few steps, Coulter kept close 


86 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


to the buildings to obscure his tiguro in the shadows as much as 
possible. Tlien, crossing tlie street, ho i)ursucd the .-i^ame tactics, 
returning slowly in the direction i'roin whence he had come, keep- 
ing Piutard in view as well as he could. He was not long in 
contiriuing his tears, for there was Kye sure enough, following 
the steps of the Canadian. As he drew near French Anne’s, 
he paused and looked about for a suitable place from which ho 
could watch developments, without being himself observed. An 
old frame building, used as a blacksmith’s shop below and a 
paintshop above, laced the street whore he stood. A ricketv 
flight of stairs, attached to the end of the building, led to a door 
in the gable, where it terminated in a small platform, around 
which a rude wooden railing had been constructed. It seemed 
to offer an advantageous point of view, and availing himself of 
it he crept softly up the stairs and crouched down near the door, 
w'atching with breathless interest the footsteps of both pursued 
and pursuer. 

Kye also stopped a few rods in advance of Coulter, but 
Pintard, without appearing to notice him, turned into the alley 
and entered the house by the side door. A moment or so later, 
Kye entered by the street door. 

Coulter now became convinced of the truth, of what for 
several days he had been suspicious, that Kye was sedulously 
watching his movements, and in an uneasy frame of mind he 
withdrew from the locality, and hastily sought seclusion in his 
room. For a long time he sat by the fire meditating upon the 
danger that threatened him from this most unsuspected source, 
endeavoring to improvise some means which would effectually 
prevent Kye from causing him trouble. A mind perplexed and 
put to task will readily find a solution of its difficulties, when 
prompted by motives of utter baseness. An ordinary criminal 
would have scarcely given such a problem more than a mo- 
mentary thought, and then have executed it, risking the conse- 
quences. But Coulter was a man of a different nature. He 
was cool, calculating and designing in everything w'hich he 
undertook. Holding a position of considerable importance, his 
purpose now was to do nothing which would imperil it, but to 
calculate well before precipitating a result. When once his 
resolution was taken, he was as unscrupulous and daring as the 


THE ABDUCTION. 


87 


most hardened of criminals. That which seemed to perplex 
him now was not the remedy which should be applied, but the 
motive which had instigated Kye^s movements. The man was 
a profound mystery. He had, time and again, studied his 
strange actions as a mere pastime without being able to com- 
prehend his peculiarities. He had noticed of late that these 
peculiarities were less marked than formerly, and that Kye 
seemed ever to have his eyes upon him when not engaged in the 
performance of his duties. The question was whether he was 
acting by his own volition, or under the direction of Edgcumb. 
If the latter suspected him and was responsible for Kye^s 
espionage, then he must rid himself of the man in a way that 
he would never trouble him more. It was a small matter 
to baffle a fool, and he did not care to take extreme measures 
with him, unless convinced that he was acting upon the sugges- 
tion of others. Here, then, was his dilemma, and he must 
reach some decision at once. Could he assure himself that the 
former theory was correct, and that Kye was pursuing him 
under the direction of another, he would have no hesitation in 
sending him to that bourne to which he had hurried Maucel 
Tewkes. The public must be given no chance to take their 
suspicions off from the man who had already been indicted for 
the crime. 

He was undecided what course to pursue for some time, but 
at length, in view of the doubtful circumstances of the matter, 
he concluded that it would be best to abduct Kye and put him 
in a safe place, where he might be kept until Edgcumb was dis- 
posed of. With Edgcumb out of the way there would be no 
danger in liberating Kye, for no one would believe his story, he 
argued. The question then arose as to the manner in which he 
should be thus temporarily disposed of. While revolving one 
scheme after another in his mind his thoughts suddenly turned 
to Madame Renaud. She has helped me once, why can she 
not again ? In remembering her assistance he naturally 
thought of its consequences; the terrible anger of the woman 
from whose wrath he had been saved by Pintard and Yitellius; 
then the arrival of the officers. Naturally the recollection of 
his horrible experience in the tunnel followed. Ah, these 
thoughts seemed to inspire a suggestion^ as if some evil spirit 


88 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


had guided his nieditatioiis up to that particular point to 
provide him with something to suit his diabolical purpose. 
Springing to his feet he paced the floor, while a satanic smile 
played upon his features. He was grappling with a new and 
novel idea. The tunnel! By Jove, I’ve hit it! That’s the 
place to put him in. He won’t get lonesome there, for there’s 
plenty of rats. ” 

I’ive minutes later Coulter left the room with his overcoat 
closely buttoned about him and a freshly-lighted cigar in his 
mouth. His destination was French Anne’s. ” 

At the dive an unusual quiet prevailed. A party of drunken 
rowdies, who had spent the evening there in a perfect revelry 
of drunkenness, dancing and ribaldry with the wantons of the 
establishment, had just taken their departure. But a few 
loiterers still remained in the saloon. Madame lleuaud was 
sitting upon a stool behind the bar, Vitellius and Pintard being 
seated at the small table in a corner of the room angrily dis- 
puting over a game of cards which was in progress between 
them. Now and then the proprietress, attracted by the sound 
of their voices, glanced in the direction, saying: Est-ce cles 
hetes enrageesf Pintardj tais-toi. Vitellius j chut. II ne faut 
pas se disputer comme les petits gargons. ” Then their wrangling 
would cease for a moment, only to be renewed when some 
trivial point in the game arose upon which they differed. 

Chloe entered upon this scene and whispered something in 
Madame Renaud’s ear, quickly retiring. Coulter was awaiting 
the latter’s appearance in the little back room, where his mis- 
tress had been entertaining him for a few minutes. The French- 
woman responded to the call without delay, and presently 
Coulter perceived her ponderous figure standing in the door- 
w^ay, completely filling it. She did not advance farther, but 
with a cold and unfriendly look gazed fixedly at her visitor, 
apparently waiting for him to make known his errand. Coulter, 
however, returned her stare indifferently without speaking, for 
he saw that her coolness was intentional and did not result from 
a lack of recognition on her part. 

Well, what is it? ” Madame Renaud finally asked. 

Giving a toss of the head, and casting a look of contempt and 


THE ABDUCTION. 


89 


disgust upon her, Coulter replied: “ Humph! fine reception to 
give an old friend that you haven’t seen in many a day. ” 

If ye’ve anything to say he quick about it, young man, fur 
time’s money.” 

“ Yes, hut you may have more of it on your hands pretty soon 
than you will know what to do with.” 

More what? ” 

“ More time, of course. You didn’t suppose I meant money? 
The devil himself couldn’t fill up a cormorant.” 

What do ye mean, sir? ” 

Well, you say time begets money, and I say money begets 
time when you don’t come by it honestly. Do you understand 
now, old lady? ” 

“ No, I don’t, sir. Explain yerself.” 

Perhaps you will when they gather you in and put you 
behind the bars — after it’s too late.” 

At this Madame Renaud exhibited genuine signs of uneasi- 
ness, and her frigid manner began to thaw. She evidently 
thought that these vague remarks bore some hidden meaning 
which was well for her to understand. 

Why, what’s the matter now, Johnny?” she asked, in a 
somewhat friendlier tone. Ye’re talkin’ rather queer to-night. ” 

And you’re acting rather queer, Madame,” suggested 
Coulter. 

Oh, ye mustn’t be thinking anything like that, me boy. 
Chloe says I’m the best woman on top of the earth.” 

“ And you may be the best one under it — in the estimation 
of the worms — pretty soon if you are not careful.” 

Well, well, what’s the matter now ? ” the woman asked, 
betraying unmistakable signs of uneasiness on her gross and 
vulgar features. 

Understand that I came here this evening to give you some 
friendly advice, but you seem to think that my absence is better 
than my company. Perhaps I had better be ofi*. I suppose, 
however, if I had gone in the saloon and called up to the bar 
all the thieves and roustabouts hanging onto your skirts I 
would have been welcome — what? ” 

“ Nonsense, nonsense ! ye’re always welcome here ; don’t let 


90 THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 

such things get -into your head again. What was yer goin^ to 
tell me ? 

To l6ok out for your neck. 

“Me neck! Why, bless yer heart, IhavenT, any; donT yer 
see me head sinks squarely in me shoulders'? 

“Yes; I see; like a mud-turtle’s, when you tickle his nose 
with a feather. But your calipash and calipee isn’t quite so 
invulnerable, Madame.” 

“ Yer speakin’ beyond my understanding now, young man. 
Come, be serious; what is the trouble ? Do you mean anything 
about that Granger street affair *? ” 

“Precisely, Madame; that is what I’m referring to when I 
say look out for your neck. ” 

“ I understand they have a man in prison by the name of 
Edgcumb they are going to hang fur it. He hasn’t escaped, 
has he? ” 

“ No, Madame, but he may if we are not pretty active? ” 

“ Then tell me what ye have to say; be quick.” 

“ I have come to inform you that there’s an enemy lurking 
near. ” 

“ An enemy? Ah, do ye know who he is? ” 

“ I do, IHadame; he is a friend of Edgcumb’s, and a danger- 
ous cove at that. ” 

“ But how did he come to suspect we had a hand in it? ” 

“ Madame, that is something I am unable to explain. He 
has discovered it in some manner, and has been shadowing me 
of late ; now I find he is also watching you. He has been in 
your saloon to-night. He goes to the prison regularly to see 
Edgcumb.” 

“You say he was in the s’loon to-night?” asked Madame 
Kenaud anxiously. 

“ I do ; he followed Pintard to the house.” 

“ Well, he’d better go keerful or Pintard will knife ’im.” 

“ That isn’t the proper thing to do at present. We don’t 
want any more blood on our hands than we can help. We 
must lay hold of him and shut him up for awhile until Edg- 
cumb is out of the way. They have an excellent case against 
Edgcumb and it won’t do to let it spoil on their hands. We 
c^n turn the fellow loose when Edgcumb is disposed of, The 


THE ABEUCTION, 91 

public will take no notice of him then, for they don^t like to 
think they have hung an innocent man.^^ 

Sure enough, boy, but what can we do with dm when we git 

dmr^ 

That^s what I came here to consider, Madame. 

Then speak out; be quick; no idle words. 

But we shall need some help, answered Coulter. 

“ Well, what better can ye expect than ye had before 
“ None better than they, true enough. Here is the plan. It 
is nothing more nor less than to lay hold of him some night and 
bring him here 

Bring dm heref What in the name of a Chinaman^s joss 
would we do with dm here ? 

We will put him in the tunnel, Madame ; he won^t give you 
any trouble there. 

But he would crawl out into the sewer and escape. 

No, we can fasten him with a chain. Pintard can cut a 
space on one side of the tunnel, and we can chain him there, 
and give him a bit of straw to lay on, and a piece of bread now 
and then to eat. We wonT have to keep him very long, for I 
am sure the trial will come off soon. Its the best way we can 
dispose of him without killing him, and I donT like to do that 
at present. How does the idea suit youf 
Madame Kenaud, hardened as she was, fairly shuddered at 
the thought of CoultePs proposition ; but she did not dare to 
object to it, as she thought that he knew more about the neces- 
sity of the case than she did. She felt, further, that she could 
not afford to take any chances of getting into trouble. If dan- 
ger threatened, as Coulter had said, then it must be prevented 
at any cost. It seems pretty hard to put the poor devil in 
such a place, but if ye say that it must be done, it must. When 
do ye want to fetch Mm ? 

At the earliest opportunity that offers, Madame; as soon as 
Pintard or Yitellius can get the tunnel ready. There^s no time 
to be lost. 

Very well, then; IMl start ^em at the work in the morning. 

‘‘ But before they commence I would like to have a talk with 
them and tell them how it must be done. Are they in the house 
to-night ? 


92 TEE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 

Yes ; they^re in the shoon playin^ cards and quarreliu’ like 
cats an^ dogs.^^ 

“ I suppose then that they are too drunk to understand any- 
thing. 

“ No; only mad over the cards. A bottle o’ wine would set- 
tle their troubles in a jifly.’^ 

Ah, then send a bottle in and tell them I wish to see them 
here ; I’ll settle the hill. 

Madame Eenaud returned to the saloon while Coulter ar- 
ranged three chairs at the little table and seated himself in one 
of them. The wine was brought in, and while he was engaged 
in examining the vintage upon the label, the two villains ap- 
peared. 

“ I hardly expected to see you again to-night when I left you 
on the corner,” Coulter remarked rather unceremoniously, 
addressing Pintard. 

“And I’m not sorry for it, sir,” the Canadian answered, 
glancing significantly at the bottle of wine. 

“ I suppose not,” said Coulter, recognizing Pintard’s unspeak- 
able delight. “But before we proceed to business we will open 
it, for I see you have a very thirsty appearance. ” 

“ Eight, right, sir, off with the neck ; don’t stop to pull the 
cork. ” 

“ Come, knave, don’t be too previous; there’s plenty of time. 
I’m only going to give you just a taste at present. I don’t want 
you to get befuddled, for I have something important to talk 
about.” 

Coulter drew the cork, and, filling the glasses, motioned the 
pair to imbibe, saying, ere he moistened his own lips : “ Gentle- 
men, here’s hoping that neither of you will die at the rope’s 
end. ” 

The men smiled and quaffed the contents of their glasses 
slowly. 

“ Pintard,” said Coulter, placing his glass on the table, “ you 
remember the fellow we passed on the street this evening ? ” 

Pintard signified by a nod of the head that he did. 

“ Are you aware that he followed you here to the house? ” 

“ I am, sir, I seed ’im in the s’loon.” 

“ And did he see you after you entered ? ” 


THE ABDUCTION. 93 

He barely saw me and that was all; fur I drawed back ^fore 
he could git a good look at me. ’’ 

He saw enough to know that you were the same person he 
passed while you were talking to me. I knew that if he fol- 
lowed either of us it meant mischief. I am convinced of it now. 
I^ve been talking to the Madame about him and we have come 
to the conclusion that he had better be disposed of for the pres- 
ent. I propose to put him in the tunnel and keep him there 
until Edgcumb is out of the way. 1 must have some help, and 
I shall rely on you both; can I do so? 

Every time,^^ answered Vitellius, emphatically. 

“ Ye know what we can do; say the word, mister, and itdl be 
done, was Pin tardus immediate reply. 

ThaPs the way I like to hear men talk. The first thing to 
be. done is to excavate a small space on one side of the tunnel 
and securely fasten a chain there. There must be no possibility 
of an escape through the sewer. Can you do this to-morrow? 

Pintard answered in the affirmative, while a corroborative 
nod from Vitellius gave assurance of his approval. And 
when do you want to put ’im in ? asked the latter. 

“ To-morrow night, if possible, or at the most favorable 
opportunity which otfers. It is important that we act promptly. 

“ I caifit help ye to-morrow night, for Pve got an engagement 
with a couple of coves at a jewelry store. You know what 
that means, sirrah ? 

“ Then wefil say the next evening, replied Coulter, smilingly. 

“Very well; we^ll have the hole ready by then,^^ returned 
Pintard, pushing his empty glass beseechingly toward Coulter. 

And now, Vitellius, said the chief conspirator, addressing 
the Italian, you are the more powerful of the two ; I wish you 
to meet me at the north end of the LaSalle street tunnel at 
eight o’clock day after to-morrow night. I will have a horse 
and carriage, and will give you instructions there what to do. ” 

“Ye can count on Vitellius every time,” said Pintard, on 
behalf of the Italian, before the latter could indicate his will- 
ingness to co-operate in the undertaking. But Vitellius 
was as decisive in signifying his acquiescence, though less active 
than his coadjutor in expressing it. 

“Very well; but a word about the excavation. You had 


94 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


better make his dungeon where the tunnel commences, just 
below the chimney. It will be handy to reach him, or to throw 
him a piece of bread now and then. ’^ 

But if he makes any cry they might hear him/^ Pintard 
suggested. 

“ Then threaten him with instant death if he makes any 
noise. 

“ An^ wedl do it, too,^^ assured Pintard, with a characteristic 
expression of small regard at what he considered a measure of 
inconsequence. 

Then it is all perfectly understood between you? asked 
Coulter. 

“Yes, we know what to do; ye can ^pend on us, too,^^ 
vouched Pintard for himself and Vitellius. 

“ Then there^s the wine ; warm your veins while it lasts. I 
am off, and with this remark, Coulter opened the door and * 
disappeared. 

The night fixed upon by Coulter to carry out his plans was 
the same on which we have seen Kye standing at the door of 
Edgcumb’s cell, pouring out his startling convictions into the 
prisoner’s ear. The night before Pintard had been taken by the 
police and placed in one of the stations. The same evening he 
had been transferred to the city prison and placed in Edgcumb’s 
cell. The news had reached Madame Kenaud through some of 
the crooks which infested the locality ; but Coulter was not 
aware of it until he reached the rendezvous, when Vitellius 
apprised him. Upon being advised how matters stood he 
seemed somewhat disconcerted, but, after a hasty consideration 
of the situation, lie determined to go on with his plans. He felt 
convinced that Kye had, in some way, been instiMmental in 
Pintard’s apprehension, and he saw all the more reason for 
immediate action and consummation of his undertaking. 

Coulter’s preparations were complete. Upon leaving Pintard 
and Vitellius in possession of the bottle of wine, he had joined 
Chloe in her apartment above. There he had compelled her to 
write a note at his dictation. The address and signature he 
added himself, after a careful study of her chirography. With 
this in his possession he drove, with Vitellius, to Kye’s lodgings, 
his identity being effectually concealed beneath a full, black 


TttH AbWOTiOtf. 


95 


beard, eye-glasses, a wig, a tall stiff hat, drawn well down over 
bis forehead, and a large cloak which enveloped his shoulders, 
the enscmUe giving him the appearance of a man past forty 
years of age, and indicating the characteristics of a professional 
gentleman. 

It was nearly eight o’clock when Kye left the prison, after 
having ascertained the cause of Pintard’s arrest. He was much 
vexed at seeing the Canadian thrust into the same cell with 
Edgcumb, as he knew that it would he a difficult matter to keep 
his friend informed privately of the state of affairs outside. 
While thinking of the matter and endeavoring to devise some 
means by which he could obviate the difficulty, he walked leis- 
urely toward his lodging, which was situated in the third story 
of a business block on Wells street. Upon entering, he lighted 
a lamp, and its sudden illumination revealed a room meagerly 
furnished, its contents consisting merely of the most common- 
place, and absolutely essential articles to a frugal and econom- 
ical place of abode. In one corner there was a dilapidated black 
trunk, while directly above several rude shelves were fastened 
to the wall, one above another, well filled with books. Books 
were also lying upon the table and upon the unmade bed. It 
seemed as if personal comfort had been sacrificed to an inordi- 
nate desire for knowledge. 

Throwing a few pieces of coal upon the smoldering fire, Kye 
drew a chair to the table, and, taking up an open book lying 
thereon, he resumed its dissertation by the feeble light which 
found its way through the broken and smoke-lined chimney. 

He had been thus occupied but a few minutes when he heard 
the sound of footsteps in the hall, followed by a loud knock at 
his door. An evening visitation was wholly unusual, and, 
closing his book, he wondered who it could be. It was an 
ominous sound, and for a moment he seemed to be pervaded 
with feelings of dread, or uneasiness, and an inclination to dis- 
regard the summons; but, while speculation and doubt were 
disturbing him, there came a second knock, and this somewhat 
louder than before, startling him by its suddenness and the 
peremptoriness of its sound. It was an impatient rap, and it 
appeared to arouse him to the necessity for ^action. The door 
is unlocked, and the person, whoever it is, can easily enter» 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUHL 


DO 

There is nothing to fear, and I had better answer it before he 
knocks again, thought Kye. Thus gathering resolution ho 
answered the summons. Before him stood a stranger of marked 
appearance, who accosted him with an interrogation ere he had 
time or opportunity to calculate upon his motives. 

“ Are you James Kye, the friend of Stanley Edgcumb? 

I am, sir,^^ Kye responded. 

The stranger then drew a folded paper from his pocket and 
presented it to Kye, with the remark : “ I have called at the 
earnest solicitation of Edgcumb’s wife to deliver this note to 
you. Please, sir, be as spry as possible, as I have several pro- 
fessional calls to make yet to-night. 

Taking the note Kye stepped to the light and read its con- 
tents, which were written in a neat, feminine hand : 

“Me. Kye— Presuming upon your kindness to my husband and myself 
during our terrible afidietion, 1 take the liberty of asking still another favor. 
My eldest daughter was taken violently ill this afternoon, with what 1 fear 
will prove a fatal malady. My anxiety and distress eannot be described. 1 
beg to ask if you will convey a communication to my husband, and, if so, will 
you be kind enough to come to the house without delay. Dr. Rankin, who is 
attending my child, has kindly consented to go and bring you in his carriage. 

“ Yours in sorrow, 

Imogen Edgcumb.” 

Certainly I will go, doctor, Kye replied, as he placed the 
note in his pocket. 

^^Very well, sir; my carriage is waiting and the lady is 
anxious to see you. 

With hat and coat in hand, Kye immediately extinguished 
the light, locked the door and followed the stranger down to the 
street. As the carriage was reached he was hurriedly assisted 
into it by the impatient doctor, who seemed, he thought, to be 
exceedingly anxious to be off, and, as the latter swung himself 
into the vehicle, the driver, without a word of command, 
touched the horse lightly with the whip and they moved away 
at a rapid pace toward the river. 

At this period the LaSalle street tunnel being in an unfin- 
ished state, they crossed by the Wells street bridge and, turn- 
ing into South Water street, then into Franklin, they entered 
the Washington street tunnel. The damp and dimly-lighted 
place looked dreary enough — so forbidding, indeed, that the 


THE ABDUCTION, 


97 


horse pricked up its ears in aflright at the reverberating sound 
of its clanging hoofs. It seemed to be entirely deserted, as 
few chose that uninviting route after dark in preference to the 
bridges. Then, too, the utter silence of the strangers rendered 
the situation even more oppressive. As they approached the 
center of the tunnel, Yitellius checked the horse’s pace to a 
walk, and Coulter, leaning out, looked behind them up the long 
incline. They were alone. The turgid river and the mighty 
city with its myriad of scintillating lights were above them. 
There were no eyes to see, no ears to hear, nor hands to thwart 
their premeditated action. With a quick movement he drew 
back and seized the lines, at which Yitellius, turning upon Kye, 
pinioned his arms with a powerful grasp, and placed his hand 
over his mouth to prevent an outcry. The victim struggled, 
but his efforts were as futile as a lamb’s gripped in the jaws of a 
panther. 

It was but the work of an instant. A bottle, a handker- 
chief, a quick application to the nostrils, and his struggles 
were over, for chloroform is as swift as it is subtle in its effects. 
The drive to “ French Anne’s ” was short by way of the Kinzie 
street bridge, and it was easily reached before Kye could revive. 
The route was dark and unfrequented, and the vehicle and its 
occupants, therefore, failed to attract attention. Upon reaching 
the bagnio Madame Kenaud opened the alley door. She had 
taken possession of the room, barring the inmates out. The 
room adjoining was the one from which the tunnel was entered, 
and through this Kye was carried and lowered to his dungeon. 
Ail was done so quietly that no one else in the house had the 
least suspicion of the revolting crime which was being perpe- 
trated upon this helpless and inoffensive man. 

Upon reviving from the deep stupor in which he had lain for 
some time Kye found himself lying upon his back in total dark- 
ness. As his wits gradually rallied the memory came of the 
black-whiskered man, the carriage, the tunnel and the assault. 
That was all he could remember. The place was cold and 
damp. Could it be that he was still in the tunnel, for he 
remembered the dampness of the atmosphere as they had 
driven into it? No; that could not be, for the tunnel was 
lighted, and, moreover, he seemed to be lying upon a bed of 

7 


98 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 

straw. He listened intently but he could hear no sound; all 
was silent as the grave. He reached forth his hand to feel 
about him, but he drew it back with a shudder as it touched the 
cold, earthy walls of his dungeon. Then he attempted to rise, 
and, in so doing, he made an effort to draw his feet up under 
him, but there was some restraint. He reached down to feel 
what it was. Oh, heavens, his limbs were bound with a chain ! 
Then he realized that he was a prisoner — he knew not where or 
for what cause — but the realization came so suddenly and was 
so overpowering that he sank with a sickening sensation back 
upon the pallet of straw, uttering a groan of despair, as if his 
soul were racked by all the tortures of hell. Hours passed by. 
Again and again did he seek to verify this revelation; but the 
stubborn fact was undeniable. It all seemed so preposterous 
that to ascertain if he were truly in a conscious state he spelled 
his name over and over again with the characters of the Morse 
alphabet. He clutched his hair tightly with his fingers. He 
even lacerated his hands with his teeth ; but, alas, it was all too 
true ! Then came the conviction that he had been the victim of 
a plot, and that he was now in the power of some unknown 
enemy. He could attribute it to no one but Coulter, and he 
thought of Edgcumb’s words of warning spoken but a few hours 
before. “ What would be his fate,^^ he wondered, if he were 
really in Coulter^s power? Would he be kept in this horrible 
place to die of starvation, or until his mind gave way and he 
became a maniac? 

Kye continued in this deplorable state of mind for many hours, 
but at length he became affected by the foul atmosphere of his 
dungeon. The poison had begun to insidiously penetrate his 
system and dull his senses, producing a somnolescent state, in 
which he partially remained for the first week of his confinement. 

Weeks passed by without bringing any change or relief to him. 
Vitellius entered the dungeon daily with a loaf of bread and a 
can of water. The fresh air which was thus admitted generally 
revived him for a time. In vain he pleaded with the Italian to 
tell him where he was and why he had been imprisoned. Did 
he chance to be asleep when Vitellius came, his keeper would 
give him a vigorous kick to ascertain if he were dead or alive. 
The filth of the place became so unbearable that Vitellius, even. 


THE ABDUCTION. 99 

would gasp for breath as he emerged from the hole after one of 
his brief visits. 

Kye made heroic efforts to sustain hope during all of the long, 
dreary hours of his confinement. To him they were hours, for 
in the inky darkness of that living tomb time could not be reck- 
oned into days and weeks. It was merely a blank, indistinguish- 
able prolongation. He knew that he breathed, and that there 
were intervals between his respirations. He could count the 
intervals until he grew wearied, but there was no approxima- 
tion of duration beyond that, more than to a benighted soul 
groping in the shades of eternity. Day by day he felt his 
strength diminishing and limbs stiffening so that he could 
scarcely move them. The one to which the chain was fastened 
became galled and paralyzed, developing into a useless member. 
His clothing was fouled by the filth, for he was compelled to 
wallow in his own excrement like a dumb brute. So horrible, 
at length, did his situation become that he endeavored to divert 
his thoughts by making friends with the rats which infested the 
tunnel ; and such extraordinary terms of friendship sprung up 
between them that they permitted him to handle them at pleas- 
ure. He taught them by low, peculiar sounds or whistles to 
understand him. He shared his pitiful allowance of bread with 
them, and when he wished to feed them he called by one of those 
well-understood sounds, at which they came running, squeaking 
and squealing, clambering upon him in a pell-mell rush to get 
the crumbs which he had to offer. 

How a man can enter upon terms of intimacy with the vermin 
of the earth, which, in the ordinary conditions of life, he would 
have a horror and detestation of, is one of the unaccountable 
phases of human character. It is attributable only to an 
instinctive longing for companionship, and to this is due, per- 
haps, the remarkable depths to which one will descend to obtain 
it. Although of an unsocial disposition naturally, yet the 
solitude became so oppressive to Kye that he was glad to even 
tolerate such relations. The instinct was there, and all it 
required was the horrible tortures of abandonment to compel 
him to accept from the common pests of man that which, under 
other circumstances^ he would not have been willing to accept 
from man himself — companionship. Frightened at first by the 


100 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


little intruders of his dungeon, fear at length gave way to a mere 
annoyance at their boldness; while later on his mind 
reached that state of desperation that he gladly welcomed them 
and made them sharers of his bed and food. 

After a lapse of several months, which to him, however, 
seemed years, or even centuries, Kye began to lose hope. There 
came a settled conviction that he would never leave his dungeon 
alive, and he resolved, if possible, to leave a record of his fate 
behind, thinking that some day it might be discovered and lead 
to the punishment of his persecutors. There was, of course, . 
nothing at hand in the shape of pencil or paper with which to 
indite such a record. There were the clay walls of the tunnel, 
but no tools with which to incise even his name. No knife, key 
or any available instrument, as everything had been taken from 
him upon the night of his abduction. It occurred to him, how- 
ever, that he might use one of the sharp prongs of the buckle 
which held the straps at the back of his vest to suit his purpose 
for engraving. Acting upon this idea he wrenched the buckle 
from its fastenings and began his work. Day after day he 
toiled patiently, by spells, being in no hurry to complete his 
task, but rather desiring to prolong it as much as possible that 
he might have something to occupy his mind. He felt carefully 
along the wall with the fingers of his left hand while executing 
his work with the other. The same sense of touch enabled him 
to tell where he had stopped and where to renew his labor. 
The letters were deeply cut, that they might be well preserved. 
The task was finished at length, and scarcely a day passed 
thereafter but that he amused himself by running his fingers 
over the letters, spelling the words from beginning to end. 

Kye often thought of his friend Edgcumb, and wondered what 
had been his fate. He thought of Coulter, of Pintard and the 
dive, but he little dreamed that his dungeon was beneath that 
same disgusting place, as he indulged in speculations regarding 
its locality. 


CHAPTER YIII. 

IMOGEN. 

If Edgcumb’s imprisonment bad been a hardship to himself, 
what must it have been to Imogen, a frail woman, burdened 
with the cares of a family of small children, without means of 
support, without friends, and almost without hope The ter- 
rors of a conflict with a selflsh world which lives each for him- 
self is something appalling to a weak and defenseless woman. 
In the great human struggle for existence and the mad rush for 
wealth the weak are thrust rudely aside and are mercilessly 
swallowed up in the great vortex of misery. Imogen realized 
what those struggles meant, for years before she had had the 
sharp experience of such a strife, being left in a state of utter 
distraction at the time of Stanley’s arrest ; her feelings upon 
recovering from the shock were such as one might experience 
who has become lost in the depths of a great forest, who gazes 
upon the lone wood and feels that all hope has fled. Stanley 
had been out of work so long that the pinch of poverty had 
closely followed his incarceration. When, after a few days had 
passed, and it became certain that he would be kept in prison 
for an indefinite period, possibly extending into many months, 
she became thoroughly awakened to the fact that they must 
depend wholly upon her own feeble efforts for the necessaries of 
life. Then she naturally thought of her former occupation of 
music teacher, but there were many difficulties in the way of pur- 
suing it. It was undesirable to absent herself from home on 
account of the children who constantly needed a mother’s care 
and attention. Her domestic duties, also, for several years, had 
been such that she had altogether neglected her music, and, 
consequently, she was not as au fait as formerly, but something 
must be done at once, and, being unfamiliar with other pursuits, 
save needlework, she was obliged to try music. Leaving Paget 
to care for Geryl and the baby, she started to see what she 

lOI 


102 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


could accomplish. From house to house she went soliciting 
pupils, hut invariably meeting with a curt reply, or seeing the 
door slammed unceremoniously in her face. However, in spite 
of these discouraging matters, she renewed her efforts from day 
to day and at length succeeded in securing a small class of 
pupils. Aside from this income of a few dollars a week, which 
she derived from her music, the neighbors brought in some sew- 
ing, so that between the piano and her needle her nimble fingers 
found little rest. Thus they were enabled to keep the wolf from 
the door and to get along quite comfortably during the winter. 

Imogen had found a steadfast friend in Kye up to the day of 
his disappearance. He had assisted her in many ways, and his 
generous acts were ever conspicuous and his presence ubiquitous 
when distress entered the little cottage. Her pale face and sad 
eyes were as true a guide to his noble impulses as are the stars 
and compass to the mariner. In vain did she protest against his 
benevolent acts, but it was useless, for they prevailed with or 
without her approval. His visits to the prison were more fre- 
quent than hers, and through him she received word almost 
daily from her husband. These messages were the most pre- 
cious of his generous acts, for they were full of confidence and 
inspired her with hope. 

There lived at this time, in a narrow street in the neighbor- 
hood of Imogen’s house, an Irish woman who had been her 
laundress for many years. Mrs. Tiernan — for such was her 
name — was quite advanced in years. She lived by herself in a 
small house containing but two rooms, and obtained a meager 
subsistence at the tub. She was a kind-hearted woman, and 
the good-will and friendship which she evinced for Imogen was 
most acceptable, indeed, for while she was absent with her 
pupils Mrs. Tiernan would kindly care for the children. Paget’s 
tender age rendered her an unsafe guardian for the smaller ones, 
and Imogen felt grateful when Mrs. Tiernan volunteered her 
protection. Thereafter, when called away, she took them to her 
house and left them to her charge. Mrs. Tiernan did most of 
her laundry work at home, and she found the days of these visits 
bright spots in the ordinarily monotonous course of her exist- 
ence. She loved children, and having known Imogen’s from 
infancy they were especially dear to her. They loved to watcli 


IMOGEN, 


103 


her while at work, and to dabble in the suds. Frequently, when 
she stood at the tub, they would peep over the edge, prick the 
bubbles with their fingers and gaze at the rainbow colors which 
formed and vanished so mysteriously. 

Imogen invariably fixed upon Satuiday as a day to visit her 
husband. Come what would, no natter what might be the con- 
dition of the weather, lier visits never failed. She looked for- 
ward to them all the week and talked to the children of them, 
treasuring in her memory many things which she wished to tell 
him. When the weather was pleasant one or more of the chil- 
dren accompanied her. It has been told in a previous chapter 
how grateful these visits were to Stanley, and what a relief they 
were from the monotony of his prison life. They were to 
Imogen, likewise, a wonderful relief from toil and anxiety. Her 
life was a busy one from morn till night. There were no inter- 
stices through which monotony could creep in, and to the 
fatigue and weariness of mind and body those weekly reunions 
were as refreshing as gentle showers to a parched and withered 
vegetation. The saddest of lives have their sunny hours, when 
forgetfulness, like a soothing balm, heals the hearths wounds 
and lifts the soul up to brighter glimpses. Such were these 
brief interviews between husband and wife. They were hours 
when ugly shadows melted away, dissolving in the sunlight of 
joy — joy at being again in each otheFs presence. Mingling 
their hopes, each sought to cheer the other. All the small pass- 
ing incidents were touched upon, but nothing said to disturb. 

Imogen did not admit the true state of affairs at home, or com- 
plain of her long, weary hours of toil. Neither did Stanley tell 
of his fierce struggle with his own thoughts — thoughts which 
were ever with him — how it seemed at times, as if in the des- 
peration which they entailed, he could wrench the iron doors 
from their fastenings or breach the solid walls of masonry by 
throwing himself like a catapult against them. He was too 
charitable to speak of the possibilities which might arise in his 
case and when the future seemed to darken before him, he care- 
fully avoided by word or look any act or utterance which would 
add to the strain under which she lived, worked and hoped. 

Mattery ran along without much change until Kye^s disap- 
pearance. This caused much disquietude. For many days 


104 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


Imogen looked anxiously for him to come with some message 
from her husband, but he did not appear. On the occasion of 
her next visit to the prison, she inquired of Stanley if he had 
been there, but he had not seen him. The following Saturday 
she went again, but still there was no news from this missing 
friend. Finding Stanley gloomy and apprehensive because of 
his absence, she suggested that Kye might be ill, but he shook 
his head and did not seem inclined to coincide with the sugges- 
tion. Then he told her of the conversation which had passed 
between them at the time of Kye’s last visit, and she was not 
only filled with consternation, but feared more than ever that 
something had befallen him. Without speaking of her inten- 
tions she then decided to learn the cause of his disappearance, 
if possible, and leaving the prison somewhat earlier than usual 
she sought the telegraph office, and stationed herself at the foot 
of the stairs leading to the upper stories, and as the employes 
came down from their day^s work she made inquiries concerning 
him. No one had seen him about the office for several days ; 
he had failed one morning to report for duty, and, not having 
since been seen, he had gradually faded from their thouglits. 
None knew where he lived, nor seemed to care particularly what 
had become of him. However, they did not fail to remark the 
look of disappointment in her face, and wondered as they has- 
tened away why she evinced such an interest in the grimacing 
idiot who was always going through the gesticulations of a 
harlequin. As she was about to turn away a man came down 
the stairs. He was the last to descend, and Imogen, who was 
watching the retreating forms with a look of disappointment, 
did not perceive him. Hearing Eye’s name mentioned he paused 
a moment on the stairs. It was Coulter, and, readily divining 
that the lady before him was Edgcumb’s wife, he addressed her: 

I beg your pardon. Madam, but I thought I heard you inquir- 
ing for James Kye.^^ 

Imogen turned at the sound of the voice, and seeing a gentle- 
man whom she supposed to bo an employe and, furthermore, 
from the manner of his address, one who could give her the 
desired information, replied, “ Yes, sir; if you can tell me any- 
thing concerning his whereabouts, I shall be greatly obliged, 


IMOGEN. 105 

He has not been seen at the office for some time. I shouldn't 
be surprised if he had fallen iuto a scrape and left the city.^^ 

I think it is very unlikely, sir. I should sooner think him 
ill/^ Imogen replied, rather curtly. 

Coulter shrugged his shoulders at this rebuke. He saw that 
the lady had her own convictions concerning Kye, with which it 
would not be well for him to interfere. 

Possibly he is; but perhaps you don’t know him as well as I 
do, or you might think differently,” said Coulter. 

Perhaps not. All that I know of him is good, and I don’t 
wish to think otlierwise, ” Imogen retorted. 

“ Your faith is strong. It may be that he is a relative. If so, 
I should have been more careful with my remarks.” 

“ A relative ! No ; you are greatly mistaken.” 

As Imogen turned to depart. Coulter stepped beside her and, 
as they moved away, he explained, “ I merely indulged in the 
suggestion because of the great solicitude which you appear to 
manifest on his account.” 

“ Oh, well, he is a dear, good friend, and you know they are 
very scarce.” 

They are plentiful enough if one is willing to take them 
without credentials. He must be particular friend.” 

Mr. Kye is a friend of the family, and especially of my hus- 
band. In all of our misfortunes (and we have had many), he 
has greatly lessened the burdens which have fallen upon us. 
We miss him so much. I fear that he is ill, and, if so, I would 
gladly do all I can for him. Do you know where he lives? ” 

These words were sufficient to convince Coulter that he had 
not miscalculated as to the lady’s identity. She is fascinating, ” 
he thought ; “ her husband is out of the way, her friend Kye, 
too. She will need another now, and I am just the man for the 
place.” 

They had emerged upon one of the busy thoroughfares, 
thronged with pedestrians. Confidently pressing close to her, 
Coulter took her arm gently, at the same time apologizing for 
the act : Excuse me, Madame, but the crowd is so persistent, 

one needs a little assistance in elbowing their way along. But 
your question : I really have not the slightest idea where he 


106 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM, 


lives. He is a very eccentric person, yon know, and is very 
reticent concerning liimsellV’ 

Yes ; he is a little peculiar. I sometimes think that he has 
also seen trouble, and that that is why he is so sympathetic and 
kind to others. 

“ It may he so, hut friendship is more often the result of a 
charm of personality.^^ 

More often, 'tis true, and that is why the friendship of such 
a man as Mr. Kye is all the more to be appreciated ; because it 
is an exception to the rule. It is one of pure, disinterested 
motives, where benevolence and the love of doing good seem to 
overshadow selfish ends.^^ 

Upon hearing such sentiments expressed Coulter became 
silent for a moment. He saw that it might be a more difficult 
matter than he had imagined to gain the lady ^s confidence, and 
he began to cogitate upon some plan for continuing the acquaint- 
ance, in the hope of better success in the future. Seeing the 
futility of burdening her longer with his presence, he paused at 
the corner to take leave of her : Madame, I am sorry that I 

cannot give the information which you desire, but there is one 
thing I can do — that is make inquiries for your friend. I will 
ascertain Kye^s lodging place, and learn all that is possible 
concerning him, and call at your house, with your permission, 
and give you whatever news I may have obtained. Will you 
favor me with your address ? 

“But it will be putting you to a great deal of trouble/^ 
Imogen protested. 

“ I do not mind the trouble. Permit me to prove myself as 
valuable a friend as James Kye.^^ 

Imogen smiled, gave him her address, and thanked him ; and 
they separated with thoughts as wholly different as their 
directions. 

While inquiring after Kye, Imogen had, indeed, encountered 
the one person who knew nil and could have thoroughly enlight- 
ened her. But it is not to be presumed that he had any inten- 
tion of doing so. He would make a dupe and victim of her, as 
he did of all who crossed his path. It was not difficult to 
deceive a woman, and a plausible story was nothing for him to 
invent. 


IMOGEN, 


107 


A thorough voluptuary, Coulter studied how he could work 
upon Imogen’s feelings and subject her to his sinister purposes. 
Her sweet face haunted him incessantly, and Chloe was entirely 
forgotten. Ho had once entertained the same admiration for 
her, but satiety had long since cooled his ardor. He was cer- 
tain that Imogen did not know him, and he concluded that it 
were better to maintain some disguise. It was probable that 
Kye’s surveillance had been instigated by Edgcumb, and if any 
suspicions lurked in the latter’s mind, he had undoubtedly com- 
municated them to his wife. He would first try persuasion 
under a disguise, and if that did not succeed he would unmask 
himself and apply threats to accomplish his purpose. 

Coulter and Imogen had been observed upon the street, and 
followed by one who felt an unusual interest in their actions — 
Chloe. Her interest was governed by jealousy, for she loved 
Coulter, and it piqued her beyond endurance to see him bestow 
attentions upon another of her own sex. Watching their move- 
ments critically, she became convinced that they were newly 
acquainted, and, upon separating, she followed Imogen to her 
home, noting the number of the house and ascertaining her 
name from the neighbors. That same evening, closely veiled, 
she again repaired to the locality, and, having identified the 
cottage, she sought admission by a gentle rap at the door. 
Imogen was sitting alone with her needlework, but, hastily 
gathering it up and making a hurried arrangement of the tidies 
and chairs, she went to admit her visitor. 

Mrs. Edgcumb ? ” came an inquiring voice as she opened 
the door. 

-,‘^Yes,* that is my name, Imogen answered, scanning the 
unfamiliar form before her. 

I called to see you on a matter which concerns you deeply. 
May I come in ? ” 

“Certainly,” replied Imogen, stepping aside to make way 
for her, wondering, as she did so, whether those words were 
portentous of good or evil. 

Chloe swept past her into the room and unbidden glided into 
a chair. “ My good lady,” she said, “ I am neither a sorceress 
nor a witch ; I am not the seventh daughter of the seventh son, 
etc., but I have the gift of prevision and power to tell certain things 


lOB 


THE DUKE OP AMCAPUM. 


which are revealed to me. I have been sent to you by one who 
has your welfare at heart, hut whose name I am not permitted 
to mention. 

Oh, my fortune ? asked Imogen, laughingly. 

“ No ; not exactly. I don’t pretend to be able to read your entire 
future^ but rather to tell that which I may see clearly defined, 
good or evil, that you may profit by the good and avoid the evil. ” 

“ But I am not superstitious, or given to belief in such things, ” 
Imogen replied. 

'' You may try to make yourself think so, Madame, but I doubt 
if there is an intelligent being in the world who has not some 
secret belief in these mysterious supernatural matters.” 

Imogen was silent and thoughtful. 

“ Do you believe in predestination ? ” asked Chloe. 

Oh, I hardly know what I believe in ; there are so many 
things written and talked of nowadays for people to believe that 
it mixes one all up when one attempts to think of them. You 
may tell me what you can; I will listen.” 

Chloe then brought forth a pack of cards, and, making some 
skillful movements with them, she muttered rapidly the while 
something in a low tone which Imogen supposed to be an incan- 
tation. Then came a pause, after which she asked her age and 
the date of her birth, running the cards slowly through her 
hands, now and then selecting some particular one as if it were 
more portentous than the rest. You appear to be in trouble 
— deep trouble. This card turns up so persistently that I am 
afraid that your trouble will continue for some time. It seems 
to be in relation to some one very near to you, possibly your 
husband. Here is another which seems to have unusual signifi- 
cance. It relates to a dark-complexioned man with a black 
mustache. You must beware of him, for his intentions are dis- 
honorable. He is meditating some design upon you. You have 
not known him long, and it will be better for you to know him no 
longer. I can see something which looks like wires which 
would indicate that he has something to do with the telegraph. 
He seems to have some authority, too, for the position of all the 
cards seem to be obedient to this one. You have been some- 
where with him, or else walked with him. You separated at a 
corner. Beware of him; he has evil intentions.” 


IMOGEN. 109 

“ Can you tell me his name ? ’ ^ askes Imogen, startled at 
Cliloe^s announcement. 

No, I cannot tell you right away,^^ said Chloe, “ but there 
is a way of ascertaining it. Then, by an ingenious method 
which she had devised, she began : You see there are fifty- 
two cards in the pack, and there are twenty-six letters in the 
alphabet — twenty-six into fifty-two, twice. Thus we have a 
numerical affinity between them. I will shuffle the cards and 
cut them, see; there^s the trey of spades for a commencement^ 
then we must take to represent it the third letter of the alphabet, 
which is ^ C.^ Now, another odd circumstance is that all vowels 
are represented by odd numbers — thus, A is the first letter, E 
the fifth, etc. Now I will shuffle the cards and cut them 
again. There we have the five spot of hearts ; we had the trey of 
spades to begin with. We must multiply one by the other — 
five times three are fifteen. Then, counting on her fingers, 
she added : The fifteenth letter is ‘ 0,^ a vowel ; so we have 
^ Co.’ Do you see? ” 

Imogen answered in the affirmative, and Chloe again shuf- 
fled the cards, turning up the seven spot of diamonds. 

“ Seven times three are twenty-one — we multiply by the trey 
each time, and it’s an odd number. The twenty-first letter 
represents ^ U,’ a vowel also ; so we have ^ Cou.’ Let us try 
again. ” 

Another trial brought up the four spot of clubs. 

“ Four times three are twelve; the twelfth letter is — what? 
One, two, three, four, five — ^L.’ Now we have ^Coul.’ ” 

Imogen began to tremble. 

Chloe proceeded. Ah, now comes the ten spot of clubs; 
ten times three are thirty. There is no letter to represent it, 
hence we must try again — what, the ten spot of hearts ? Well, 
we must take the sum of the two deals, which is twenty. What 
is it ? ^ T,’ a consonant ; ^ Coult ’ ” 

^‘Stop! I know the rest,” exclaimed Imogen, excitedly. 

Can it be possible that it is Coulter, the enemy of my hus- 
band ? Good woman, if it is true you have saved me from hu- 
miliation, for I loathe that man as I do a viper.” 

Chloe, of course, had manipulated the cards to bring about 
this result, but she did it in such a skillful way and worked so 


110 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


cleverly upon Imogen throughout the whole that the latter felt 
that there was something about it, indeed, supernatural. Hav- 
iug gained her end, she arose to take her departure. 

“ Wait a moment, my friend ; can you tell me anything about 
my husband ? What will be his fate ? asked Imogen. 

“ I will see,^^ replied Chloe, returning to her chair, and run- 
ning the cards through her fingers. “ It looks bad, Madame ; 
the cards all run black — death, death ! I am afraid he will 
come to a miserable end. ’’ 

Imogen drew a deep sigh and covered her eyes with her 
handkerchief, while Chloe, taking advantage of the favorable 
moment, quietly left the house. She had not removed her veil 
during her presence there. Imogen had merely heard a sweet 
voice, but she had not beheld the face of her strange visitor. 

Left alone with her thoughts, Imogen pondered over the 
remarkable occurrence of the evening. There was something 
so mysterious about the lady^s coming and going, something so 
pleasing and disinterested in her manner, and something so 
wonderful in her necromancy that she really began to think 
that she was, indeed, a seeress, and that there was something 
deeper, more startling and truthful in such practices than she 
had ever before been willing to admit. But those dreadful 
words concerning her husband ; how could she believe them 
In her dilemma, between belief and unbelief, she felt inclined 
to accept the good and reject the bad. She tried to reassure 
herself with the recollection that the woman had not said pos- 
itively that Stanley would be overtaken by a miserable fate ; 
but that she feared that such would be the case, arguing from 
the predominating color of the cards as she ran them through 
her fingers. Her heart was in a flutter, and a feeling of nerv- 
ousness pervaded her. A sense of loneliness and dread crept 
upon her, while the mysterious form of the veiled lady and her 
divinations left such weird impressions that she could scarcely 
induce herself to retire for the night. 

Chloe^s words of admonition in regard to Coulter also made a 
great impression upon Imogen. She felt chagrined to think 
that she had encountered him, and had even given him per- 
mission to call at her house. She remembered his insinuating 


TMOGElf. Ill 

i'emarks while conversing with him, and she felt thankful to be 
thus happily forewarned. 

It was not many days after this incident ere he made his 
appearance at the cottage. She was expecting that he would 
soon present himself and was, of course, determined to test the 
truth of the woman^s predication concerning him. 

“ Grood- evening, Madame, said Coulter, as Imogen opened 
the door. 

Good-evening, sir,^^ answered Imogen, returning the saluta- 
tion in a friendly way, and inviting him to enter. I really 
don^t know what name to call you by, as you have given me noue 
thus far. 

“ Names are of little consequence. You might call me Brown, 
Jones, or Smith ; it would be all the same. My name, however, 
is Lincoln — no relation to the martyred president, or to bobo- 
link (n) — said Coulter, dryly, expecting to provoke a smile, 
but utterly failing in his attempt. 

You are employed in the telegraph office, I believe, Mr. 
Lincoln? 

“Yes, ma^am, you arc correct. I throttle the electric current 
and make it give up the secrets of husbands, wives and 
daughters — in fact, everybody. 

“ You know Mr. Coulter then, the Director-in-Chief ? 

“ Oh, certainly, I know him very well. 

“I think you have a strong resemblance to him,’^ Imogen 
suggested. 

“ Indeed, replied Coulter, giving Imogen a searching glance ; 
“ are you acquainted with him? 

“ But slightly, I have met him once, and, if I am not mis- 
taken, you are the individual. 

“ Indeed ! exclaimed Coulter, feigning much surprise, but 
nevertheless greatly disconcerted by the abruptness of her 
attack. 

“I am quite positive in making the assertion, sir; nor do I 
observe any inclination on your part to deny it.^^ 

“ Why did you ask my name then, if you are so positive that 
I am Coulter ? 

“ Merely to see if you would attempt to deceive me. I know 


112 


THE DUKE OE AUCANVM. 

who you are very well; you can practice no deception upon 
me.^^ 

Seeing his efforts .to conceal his identity thus completely 
frustrated, Coulter recognized that he could not do better now 
than to make an acknowledgment. Well, to be honest, said 
he, I will admit that you are right. I hope my friendship will 
be as acceptable under one name as another. Stanley and I 
have always been the best of friends, and I hope we shall be 
the same. 

Mr. Coulter, you are no friend of mine and never can be. 
There is the door. Leave ! 

BuF— Madame — I 

With outstretched arm Imogen pointed to the door, com- 
maudingly, and, emphasizing the word by bringing down her 
foot impatiently against the floor, she interrupted him by 
repeating : “ Leave ! 

Again Coulter endeavored to interject some broken sentences, 
but, more imperious in manner and threatening in tone than 
before, Imogen cut him short, exclaiming. “ Leave, I say, or I 
shall call an officer. 

Covered with confusion by this sudden and unexpected 
action. Coulter left the house in all possible haste and disap- 
peared in the darkness, utterly defeated in his despicable 
undertaking. As he passed out, Imogen slammed the door 
alter him and locked it ; then she sat down to try and compose 
herself, for she was trembling with agitation from head to foot. 


CHAPTER IX. 


INCREASING TROUBLES. 

It was not long after the incident just narrated ere a somber 
cloud settled upon the little household. The children, one after 
another^ were taken with that infantile scourge, scarlet fever. 
Imogen was obliged, in consequence, to give up both her pupils 
and her sewing, as her time was now wholly required in caring 
for the little sufferers. The cottage, as a matter of course, was 
shunned by the neighbors. The doctor came daily to prescribe, 
or advise, and Mrs. Tieriian came to assist whenever she could 
spare the time; but all others avoided them. There was no 
income now to meet the requirements of living, and Imogen 
was almost distracted. There was but one resort — the pawn- 
sho]). She had never had any experience with those unfeeling 
tradesmen who, knowing the straitened circumstances of those 
who seek them, take much and give little in return. The three 
gilt balls, however, had been a familiar sight to her on the street, 
and she knew that they were the recognized emblem of the 
craft, as the mortar and pestle are of the apothecary, hence she 
had no difficulty in finding one, and, stiiriess, in obtaining a 
small loan upon her watch, which had been a birthday present 
from Stanley the year before. Ten dollars! a paltry ten dollars 
for so precious a keepsake ! but then she thought that she would 
soon be able to redeem it. Alas ! how many poor, distressed 
souls have parted with precious treasures under similar circum- 
stances, deceiving themselves with the same confident expec- 
tations ! It is, perhaps, a charitable illusion, after all, for if 
one had a keen realization of approaching disappointments 
they would seem more unbearable than they otherwise appear 
in their final and commonplace development by degrees. 

As Imogen left the pawnbroker’s office she raised her eyes tim- 
idly, and saw Coulter standing near. He had seen her enter, 
8 113 


114 


TKE DUKE OE AnCAEVM. 


and had taken a conspicuous place that she might observe him 
when she came out. He saw that her face was paler than usual, 
and he knew that she was in distress, but he had no sympathy 
to extend. All he desired was to gall her with a sneer and an 
insolent look of satisfaction. But his opportunity was meager, 
for she hurried away, after giving him so slight a glance that it 
even left him in a state of dubitation as to whether she had 
seen him or not. The small sum which she received from the 
pawnbroker only sufficed for a short time, w^en it became 
necessary to visit him again. Then her silk dress, the only one 
which she possessed, and the guitar which she had used in 
recent years, in the absence of a piano, were pledged, and hun- 
ger kept from the threshold a few days longer. The intervals 
between her visits and the amounts received likewise gradually 
lessened, as she was successively obliged to carry some article of 
less intrinsic value than before. Little by little she saw her 
home despoiled of its comforts and necessaries, and the situa- 
tion became more desperate. Her rent was unpaid, and the 
landlord harrassed her with frequent demands, supplementing 
each with a threat of expulsion if it were not immediately forth- 
coming. The poor woman, thus goaded on one hand and 
IDinched by poverty on the other, knew not a moment^s peace. 
Only a mother^s heroic devotion to her children enabled her to 
battle against such adversity. There were times when she 
thought that she could no longer maintain the struggle, but the 
recollection of her husband^s privations, his uncertain fate, and 
his cheerfulness inspired her to renewed measures, and rendered 
her miseries more endurable. Alone, and with wearying 
anxiety, she nursed her three sick children by day and by night. 
She had not seen Stanley since their illness began, but had 
apprised him of their misfortune and kept him informed of the 
condition of the little sufferers. At length Paget and Geryl 
began to convalesce, but the youngest, whose case from its 
earliest stages had caused the doctor much anxiety, seemed 
stubborn and unyielding. Congestion of the brain supervened, 
and a fatal issue became hourly more apparent. 

One night as she was keeping her vigils by the sick child, 
sitting closely by the bedside, Imogen thought that it seemed 
to rest easier than usual. She held its little hand in her own, 


INCBEASING TROUBLES. 


115 


and thought its breathing seemed less labored than before. 
Worn with fatigue, she laid her head upon the pillow: by its 
side, and unable to control herself, fell asleep. For an hour or 
more she continued in a peaceful and refreshing slumber, but 
was then aroused by a sharp knocking at the door. With con- 
science chiding her for her remissness of duty she hurried to 
ascertain who was there. 

Mrs. Tiernan,^^ came the response; and Imogen unlocked 
the door and opened it. 

Is it thrue thin, ma’am ? ” asked the aged woman in an 
anxious voice. 

“ What true ? ” inquired Imogen, more surprised at the ques- 
tion than by the midnight visit. 

“ The darlin’ babe, ma’am? ” 

“ He is sleeping peacefully. I have been asleep by his side; 
come and see him.” 

They approached the bedside to look at the child. There 
was a stillness which alarmed the mother ; a fixed look, such as 
when death has relaxed the muscles of the face. Imogen bent 
over to listen to its breathing, but there was not the faintest 
sound. She placed her hand upon its forehead, and found it 
cold. The little spirit had taken its flight while the mother 
slept. Imogen was inconsolable when the truth flashed upon 
her that death had despoiled her of her child. Wringing her 
hands she paced the floor in anguish, and, returning, buried her 
face in the pillow, against the little inanimate form, and w^ept 
loud and long. 

“ Oh, me poor choild, Oi thought it was thrue. Oi hurried 
over with all me moight, but it’s too late Give come. Oh, that 
dream ! Oi niver had the loike av it before, ma’am. Oi dhrempt 
ye had left the little darlint wid me to look out fur, an’ 
whoilst Oi was busy at the tub an’ had the little dear out o’ me 
moind, he toddled out into the strate. Oi thought Oi heerd a 
noise, a hollerin’ an’ rushin’ loike there was a runaway, an’ Oi 
rushed to the door — an’ oh. Holy Mither, Oi jist reached it in 
toime to see the horses dash madly over ’im! An’ thin it was, 
ma’am, that Oi woke up. Oi thought av the dear little fellow, 
an’ Oi had a presintmeut that he was dead. Oi thought Oi 
must come, ma’am, an’ Oi did.” 


IIG 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


As the good woman finished she stooped and kissed the mar- 
ble brow, and her eyes filled with tears. 

When morning came the bereaved mother sought the prison 
to tell Stanley of their misfortune, but she was not permitted to 
see him, for the turnkey was in an ill humor. The prisoners had 
not been admitted to the corridors, and he would not permit any 
more visits to the cells. The best she could do was to leave a 
message in charge of the prison authorities, who promised to 
deliver it to Edgcumb. Even death could not move the stolid 
jailer, nor likewise could it move the selfish neighbors to expose 
their families by entering the stricken domicile ; and thus, in the 
darkest hour of human experience, when the heart is laid waste 
by the chill presence of the Destroyer, Imogen was unsustained 
in her affliction by those loving words of comfort and sympathy 
which God has ordained as necessary to our natures, to assist in 
ameliorating the distress occasioned by the visitation of calam- 
ities, and especially that to which all flesh is heir. An indu- 
rating philosophy is that which consoles those selfish beings with 
a reflection such as this : The child is dead, I can do nothing 
for it by going there, and I shall only expose my own by doing 
so.^^ This is the charity of the world, and how few exceptions 
there are to it! Hence it was that there was no funeral from 
the cottage. 

As soon as Imogen’s thoughts would permit her mind to dwell 
upon other subjects than her grief she saw that her circum- 
stances would no longer permit her to retain the cottage, and 
that it would be necessary to find a home elsewhere. Her rent 
had accrued until it had become a hopeless matter of paying it. 
She had pledged everything that she could possibly spare, even 
to the last dress almost which she possessed, to obtain funds to 
buy medicine and the necessaries of life. There was the under- 
taker’s and the doctor’s bills which must be paid, which would 
necessitate a sacrifice of the remainder of her household eflects. 
There was no other way by which she could pay them. As soon 
as Paget and Geryl had sufficiently convalesced, and the house 
had been well fumigated, she sought a dealer and disposed of 
what was left in the cottage, merely reserving her stove, table, 
bed, two or three plain chairs and a few dishes. The sum which 
she realized was barely sufficient to pay a few pressing debts and 


INCtlliASING TUOVBLlES. 


117 


a month^s rent for a room which she found on a quiet street in 
the North Division. Then came the final breaking up of what 
had once been a happy home. She saw with tear-stained eyes 
the remnants driven away, and then moved to her new place of 
abode. It was not home to her, she felt that she no longer pos- 
sessed one; but uninviting as it seemed, with its bare floor and 
cheerless walls, yet it was preferable to the cottage with the dis- 
mal recollections of the last few months of her life in it. 

It was now the latter part of May. The balmy days had 
come, renewing the earth with springtide loveliness, and bring- 
ing freshness and cheerfulness to its creatures. It is not 
unnatural that the first warm rays of a May-day sun should 
penetrate even the gloom of a heart made wretched by sorrow 
and adversity, and light it up with hope and cheerfulness. 
Such an effect seemed to be experienced by Imogen, for she felt 
hope return once more without any particular change in her 
condition to warrant it. As she gazed upon the children, who 
were basking in the sunshine upon the doorstep, she thought 
of the summer days of her own childhood when she had tripped 
blithely through the woodlands, or over the green meadows, 
gathering dandelion and clover blossoms, or boisterously darting 
after some golden-hued butterfly, stopping in the chase, per- 
haps, to cull some pretty wild floi^cr, and then with uplifted 
hat renewing it. She remembered, too, how the wily creatures, 
as if to lure her on, would pose upon the thistle's bloom, their 
golden wings oscillating in the breeze like the tiny sails of a 
diminutive yacht, and, when in stealth she had approached so 
near that the prize seemed almost within her grasp, the gilded 
beauty would wing itself away and with artful coquettry, invite 
a fresh attempt by the close proximity of its perch. “ Poor 
things thought she; “ how little of true childish happiness 
they see with only the dusty, bustling streets of a great city 
spread out before them, and one poor, miserable room to call 
home.^^ 

Although orphaned at an early age, her own lot, when a 
child, had not been as hapless as theirs, for the good tavern- 
keeper had been a kind and considerate guardian, and such 
destitution was never known at the country inn. She longed 
again to see the quiet village wit)] its beautiful elms, its lawns, 


118 


THE DUKE OF AliCANUM 


its orchards, and the shady brook, vvliere in the summer days 
she had dip])ed her bare feet in tlie clear water, casting now 
and then a few crumbs to tin* hungry juiunows that swam 
cautiously near. She longed to see the old tavern, but ah ! how 
vividly were the scenes of that terrible night recalled to her 
when the old house was destroyed by fire. She remembered 
the alarm and the flight ; how from a safe distance she had 
tremblingly watched the flames as they leaped from the windows, 
and saw them dart up the sides of the wooden tavern, licking 
the roof with their scorching tongues; how% with horror she 
had seen her own chamber, where but a few moments before 
she had been calmly sleeping, invaded by the smoke and dames, 
and all that was dear to her swept away ; how she had heard 
the frightened cackle of the wild geese, confused by the illumined 
sky, as they circled in an aimless flight, round and round, high 
above the burning tavern, filling the air with their startled notes. 
These incidents were pictured upon her mind as freshly as if 
they were but the scenes of yesterday. What changes had 
taken place! What vicissitudes the destruction of the old 
tavern had wrought in her career 1 When she meditated upon 
it it seemed as if her lot could not have been more unfortunate ; 
but when she looked back retrospectively upon the many years 
which had come and gone since then she saw that there had 
been many more happy than unhappy ones. There had been 
years of happiness without an incident to mar her felicity, and 
the circumstances which had so ruthlessly changed all had been 
beyond human control. The conclusion was forced upon her 
that life has many bright phases after all ; they might return to 
her again some time; she would continue the struggle to 
the end. 


CHAPTER X. 


THE TRIAL. 

A MAN on trial for liis life! How dolorous do these words 
souud to our sympathetic ears I What horrible possibilities do 
they suggest to our thoughts! What morbid speculations do 
they invite ! There is no phase of life which excites keener 
interest or greater awe than the proceedings of a tribunal 
where man sits in judgment upon the life of a fellow being. It 
is, perhaps, because it approximates an assumption of divine 
prerogatives. The solemnity which it inspires is such as per- 
vades all matters which bring us face to face or into extraor- 
dinary relations with God. All elements are attracted thither. 
The merchant, the mechanic, the professional man, the cour- 
tesan, and the lady of refinement elbow each other in a stifling 
crowd, attracted by the impressive scene, anxious to witness 
what may possibly be the closing act in the drama of a human 
life. The horrible recitals of a ghastly crime, the eloquent 
pleadings of the lawyers, the dignity of the judge and the com- 
placency of the jury, and, finally, last, and most absorbing of all, 
the prisoner for whom the scales of justice are poised, awakens 
a profound interest. 

It was upon such a scene that Stanley Edgcumb gazed on the 
morning of the commencement of his trial. Nine long months 
had elapsed since his arrest; nine long, weary months of wait- 
ing upon the slowly moving machinery of justice. What of more 
infinite slothfulness? And yet there must be law, else all would 
be chaos, and justice cannot move hastily and move correctly. 
Delays are burdensome, but they are inevitable. The functions 
of justice are monotonous and tiresome in their routine, but they 
are decisive in their finality. The feeble prisoner whose fate is 
pending the action of some tribunal may not be inclined to look 
pli''losophically upon delay; especially if he he innocent. He 


120 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


writhes under the hardships of his long confinement ; he becomes 
irritable in brooding over its uncertainties. The law becomes 
his enemy, or he regards it as such; and he has no charitable 
thoughts for it, because it has no charity for him. 

Edgcumb had been a victim, like thousands of others, to 
those inseparable delays. He had experienjced the same 
thoughts, he had hurled the same anathemas upon the law. 
He had long since grown weary and impatient, and his impa- 
tience had been heightened by subsidiary events in the loss of 
his friend Kye, the destitution of his family, and the death of 
his child. However, the situation was relieved at last, and it 
was with much satisfaction that he learned, about the first of 
August, that his trial would take place in a few days. There 
was, of course, a great deal of speculation and anxiety as the 
time drew near. He seemed to more fully realize the gravity 
of the charge, and the uncertainty of a favorable termination ; 
yet, he was hopeful. 

There was at this time a lawyer by the name of Humphrey 
Davids, who had a moderate practice in the courts. He was an 
excellent attorney and a person of humane disposition; but, 
although familiar with the most recondite questions of law, he, 
somehow, had not gained much prominence in his profession. 
He was about thirty-five years of age. 

Lawyer Davids having taken considerable interest in 
Edgcumb^s case, had called one day at the prison, talked with 
Stanley awhile, and then volunteered his services in his defense. 
They had been promptly accepted with an assurance of gratitude 
and an expressed purpose to requite him sometime if cleared. 
He had become favorably impressed with his client, discovering 
him to be a man of unusual intelligence, and, were he a compe- 
tent judge of character, the soul of honor. His conviction of 
the man^s innocence became as pronounced as the prisoner him- 
self could possibly have desired. Upon examining the case 
minutely, however, the lawyer was dismayed to find that that 
great bulwark of criminal defense, the alibi.) was not available, 
for Stanley had admitted to the Chief of Police on the morning 
of his arrest, and also at the inquest a day or so later, of having 
been in the neighborhood of the tragedy about the time of its 
occurrence, and of having been the first to discover the body of 


THE THIAL, 


121 


the victim. Then the story of James Kye and his disappear- 
ance had not only annoyed but startled him, and he became 
apprehensive that a plot against his client existed. He was at 
a loss to know how to counterbalance the work of the conspira- 
tors unless by a powerful effort at cross-examination, thereby 
weakening the evidence offered by the state. It seemed a dis- 
couraging undertaking, but, without admitting the fact to 
Edgcumb, he had prepared for the struggle. 

Entering the courtroom with a bailiff on either side, Edgcumb, 
had taken his place in the dock. He looked pale and haggard 
from his long confinement and suspense, but he raised his eyes 
and looked calmly around upon the hundreds of faces turned 
curiously toward him. He also cast hopeful and encouraging 
glances at Imogen, who was present with Paget and Geryl. 

Those who had known Edgcumb prior to his arrest would 
scarcely have recognized him then. His hair had grown long; 
pallor marked the cheeks where once had been a ruddy hue ; 
his garments had become worn and threadbare, presenting an 
appearance of shabbiness. A few months before he himself 
would have shunned an object of such wretched appearance; 
but his pride had been humbled and he faced the court with an 
utter indifierence as to looks, but with deep anxiety as to the 
result which rested upon the decision of the twelve men before 
him. 

We will pass over the preliminaries of the trial to the acts and 
motives of one of its central figures — the Statens Attorney, who 
had risen to deliver the opening address for the prosecution. 
He was a man of fine personal presence and a fluent speaker. 
He was by nature crafty, ambitious and designing in every- 
thing which he did — a thorough politician, with an eye to 
public patronage, and ever ready to serve a constituency were 
the emoluments of the office sufficient, or in case it offered a 
means for further advancement. What he saw in the Statens 
Attorney's office none but himself had any idea, unless it was 
to firmly establish himself in public favor by a zealous prosecu- 
tion of offenders. He was thorouglily unscrupulous in the use 
of measures for furthering his purposes and serving his ambi- 
tions. It was the all-important point that they were served ; 
the manner was of little consequence, He had but recently 


122 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


assumed tlie duties of his office and the Edgcuinh case was the 
first important one which he had had to deal with. This case 
he well knew had created a widespread interest, and the con- 
viction of the prisoner would be a grand beginning in his role of 
public prosecutor, consequently he had entered upon the trial 
with a full preparation and a determination to put forth every 
eflbrt for success. In his opening speech he was listened to by 
tlie court with marked attention. From the moment that he 
commenced to speak the jury became attentive listeners. His 
deep, impressive voice filled the room with a rich resonance. 
His diction was perfect, his enunciation grand, and when he had 
concluded and taken his seat, all eyes were turned upon the 
accused to note the eftect. Edgeumb, however, appeared un- 
moved; he was even stoical. He had listened attentively to the 
stirring address. He had admired many of the sentiments, but 
the accusations which were hurled upon him fell against a 
bulwark of innocence, fortified with the consciousness of it. 

The State’s Attorney was quick to perceive that he had made 
a fiivorable impression ; that his magnetism had already been 
communicated to the jury. To all appearances they were ready 
to convict the prisoner before the trial had fairly commenced. 
From the murmur of approval and nods of satisfaction which 
passed from one to another among the spectators, it was also 
evident that but for the strict discipline of the court there 
would have been a demonstrative burst of applause. 

During the delivery of the address there sat upon the oppo- 
site side of the counselors’ table a man who appeared to be 
very grave and thoughtful. Now and then he was seen to lean 
forward and take copious notes of the speech, and during its 
entire delivery he followed the speaker with marked attention. 
It was Humphrey Davids, the counsel for the defense. At a 
single glance an observer would have noted that there was con- 
siderable depth to his character. He was a man, in all respects, 
the opposite of the State’s Attorney. Instead of the dashing, 
brilliant and impulsive manner which the latter possessed, he 
was calm, scholarly and argumentative. His method of per- 
suasion was by an appeal to the judgment and intellect of the 
man, instead of his emotions. 

Wbeii the State’s Attorney had finished, and the court had 


mis miAL. 


m 

again assumed its wonted stillness, numphrey Davids rose to 
make his opening speech. He had not proceeded far before the 
effect of his remarks became apparent, for he set forth the case 
of his client in a masterly way. He cautioned the jury to be 
careful of how they dealt with circumstantial evidence, warn- 
ing them that it was often delusive, biased the judgment, and 
prejudiced the mind against an innocent and honorable man. 
He spoke in the highest terms of Edgeumb, and challenged the 
production of a questionable act in his life previous to the day 
of his dismissal; and when he had concluded, the scales of just- 
ice seemed to have been restored to their proper balance, ready 
to receive and weigh the evidence. 

It was forthi^oming. 

The Statens Attorney had availed himself of everything of a 
probatory nature tending to establish the prisoner's guilt, and 
with consummate skill began to weave the web of circum- 
stantial evidence around his unfortunate victim. First came 
the evidence of the two men who had released Mancel Tewkes 
from his infuriated grasp, at the time of his dismissal, thus 
proving the assault and furnishing a motive for the crime of 
murder. Then Coulter’s evidence showing the disappearance 
of the message and Edgeumb’s dismissal, proving a vitiated 
character, and also of the plumber’s call on the day of the 
murder and the appointment made for the evening by the 
deceased ; also of the twenty-dollar bill, with a narrow strip of 
yellow paper pasted on the upper right-hand corner, which he 
himself had loaned the Director-in-Chief, identifying one which 
was shown him as being the same. Then came the Chief of 
Police, giving an account of the arrest, search and scrutiny of 
the accused ; stating that he had found on the prisoner’s per- 
son after his arrest a cipher message, much worn and soiled, 
bearing the date of the twenty-fifth of September, 1870, which, 
upon being sent to the telegraph ofQce, was identified as the lost 
message mentioned by the preceding witness; that he had also 
found in his pocket a twenty-dollar bill as previously described, 
identifying the one which had been recognized by Coulter. 
This was supplemented by his statement of the interrogations 
put to him after the search; of his admission of having been 
near the scene of the murder — several miles from home — about 


124 


THE DUKE OE AECANEM. 


the time of its occurrence ; and of his denial of having had any 
connection with the disappearance of the message^ and his sub- 
sequent confusion on being confronted with it. Next came the 
plumber, who corroborated Coulter’s evidence in regard to the 
appointment with Mancel Tewkes, followed by two of the men 
whom Edgcumb had called to his assistance upon finding the 
dying man, identifying the prisoner, and telling of the manner 
of his abrupt departure after the body had been carried to the 
lamplight. 

There were two other witnesses for the state whose testimony 
was of a startling nature, but it will first be necessary to 
explain certain matters and conspiracies by which it was 
brought about. ^ 

Coulter had succeeded without much trouble in gaining the 
confidence of the Chief of Police. Indeed quite an intimacy had 
sprung up between them. There was a mutual interest pre- 
dominating their friendship which bore upon the Edgcumb case. 
The Chief of Police desired a conviction. It would be a credit 
to the department, and the public would not fail to appreciate 
the cleverness of the service in arresting the right man so 
promptly after the crime had been committed. As to Coulter, 
his motives are well enough understood. 

Through the Chief of Police, Coulter became acquainted with 
the State’s Attorney, and a conspiracy was the result. Previous 
to their understanding, however. Coulter had sent Madame 
Kenaud to fix matters at the prison. He then suggested to the 
State’s Attorney that, inasmuch as Pintard had occupied the 
same cell with Edgcumb, he might possibly have heard some 
admission of guilt, and, if so, perhaps he might be induced, with 
the x)roiuise of an indifierent prosecution, to tell what he had 
heard. “Criminals, you know,” said he, “sometimes make 
confidants of one another.” 

The State’s Attorney thought the suggestion a good one, and, 
visiting the prison, interviewed Pintard on the subject. The 
result was all that he could have desired, for the Canadian was 
prepared with the statement that Edgcumb had one night, in 
the gloom of their prison cell, confessed the murder, and told 
many of the circumstances connected with it. He further said 
that Edgcumb had told him that he had borrowed the knife 


THE TRIAL, 


125 


with which he had committed the deed from a friend by the 
name of Kye ; that he liad seen the same man talking with the 
accused through the latticed door of his cell on the night of his 
own arrival at the prison, and that he had never been there 
since. He was willing to testify for the state. 

Meeting Coulter very soon thereafter, the State’s Attorney 
announced his success with Pintard, remarking : “ Now, if we 
could find some one who had seen the knife in Kye’s possession, 
and could identify it, we would have a case against Edgcumb 
which would be fairly incontestable.” 

“ Leave that to me,” replied Coulter. I will see that such 
a witness is found.” 

It must be a man of nerve, who will not flinch, for it will be 
a point in our case which will be strongly attacked by the other 
side,” said the prosecutor. 

“ Yes ; I understand, but we shall have the right man in the 
right place. Leave that to me.” 

“ Well, you are very clever, I will admit, and I have no doubt 
but that you will succeed. We owe all that we have thus far 
in the case to your shrewdness; go ahead.” 

With this carte-Uanclie from the State’s Attorney, Coulter 
entered into fresh machinations against Edgcumb. As was 
always the case when he had some nefarious scheme to work, 
he relied upon the Kinzie street dive to furnish an accessory, 
but in this instance he chose one who had not served him in 
such a capacity before — Chloe. He demanded a sacrifice — an 
extraordinary sacrifice for a woman to make, and Chloe, full of 
love and devotion, listened. It was to divest herself of her 
beautiful hair ; to assume a masculine disguise, and play a cer- 
tain role which he would assign her. He told her it was a mat- 
ter which concerned Madame Kenaud alone, and in nowise 
himself; that by so doing it would secure Pintard’s release, for 
it was nothing less than to testify in court to a certain matter 
which would strengthen evidence which he (Pintard) would give 
in advance. Chloe consented, and the matter was speedily 
arranged. This intrigue was consummated by the appearance 
of Pintard on the witness-stand, his testimony being to the 
effect that he was an inmate of the city prison; that he had 
been confined in the same cell with the accused for many 


126 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


months ; that Edgcumh had talked confidentially with him con- 
cerning the murder of Mancel Tewkes, and had told him that 
he had been constantly haunted by visions of the dead man ; 
that, while asleep on his couch, he would nightly hear raps on 
the wall near his head, and upon arousing himself would see 
the ghost of his victim standing before him with a ghastly 
wound in his breast; that, to relieve his mind, and in hopes 
thereby of obtaining a respite from those frightful visitations, 
he had confessed his crime to him, telling him all. Then he 
informed the jury that Edgeumb had told him how he had 
obtained the deadly knife from one James Kye, an intimate 
friend; and further, that on the evening of the day of his own 
arrest, upon being brought to the prison, he had found a man 
talking to the accused, whom he had been informed was James 
Kye, and since which incident he had not again been seen 
there. 

The state closed by introducing a witness who gave the name 
of Louis Carroll, but who was none other than Chloe, incognita. 
Her hair was cut close and arranged in masculine fashion, and 
a false mustache shaded her mouth. She had rubbed her skin 
where it was visible with a lotion containing a trace of iodine, 
which gave her a dark complexion, or tanned appearance. She 
was dressed genteelly in loose-fitting garments, thus concealing 
the feminine form. 

Coulter had provided Chloe with a small powder composed 
principally of euphorbium, which he had caused to be prepai ed 
by a skilled apothecary, to take just before entering the court- 
room. This drug acts as a powerful irritant upon the mem- 
branes of the throat, inflaming the vocal cords and rendering 
the voice hoarse and unrecognizable, as one suflering fi*om a 
cold. This she took as instructed tor the purpose of disguising 
her voice, and by the time she reached the witness-chair its 
effect was apparent. 

Chloe was cool and self-possessed. Under the shrewd man- 
agement of the Statens Attorney she gave her evidence to the 
dismay of Humphrey Davids, and of even Edgeumb himself. 
It was substantially as Coulter had planned, and to the follow- 
ing eflect: Age, twenty-five; occupation, a hatter. Do not 
know the prisoner at the bar; never saw him before. Know 


ms miAL 127 

James Kye intimately ; have been his room-mate for many 
months. 

“Until within how recent a period'?^’ asked the State’s 
Attorney. 

“Six or seven months — until shortly before his disappear- 
ance.” 

“ Did James Kye carry a weapon of any kind; or keep any 
concealed about the room*? ” 

“ A knife was the only weapon that I ever saw about the 
room. I never knew him to carry any concealed about his per- 
son. He kept an ugly-looking knife and made a practice of 
putting it under his pillow at night when he retired. He seemed 
to have a constant fear of robbers, for I think he kept his money 
secreted in the room.” 

“ Did James Kye have any peculiarities? ” 

“ He was very odd in his way, and I think had some halluci- 
nations; the idea that he was beset by robbers was one of them. 
He also had fits of abstraction, and made queer grimaces and 
distortions of his face at times. ” 

“ Just so; did you ever hear him speak of Edgcumb ? ” 

“ Yes; he spoke of him very often.” 

“ Was this before or after his arrest — Edgcumb’s arrest ? ” 

“ Both before and after. He went to the prison to see him 
frequently after his arrest.” 

“You spoke of a knife in Kye’s possession ; did he continue 
to keep it under his pillow as long as you remained with him ? ” 

“ No; it disappeared sometime before I left him.” 

“ Can you recollect the time, or about the time, that you first 
noticed its absence ? ” 

“ To the best of my recollection it was the latter part of Octo- 
ber.” 

“ Are you positive ? ” 

“ Yes,” ausw^ered Chloe, thoughtfully. 

“ Do you remember any particular conversation with him con- 
cerning Edgcumb ? ” 

“ I remember of Kye speaking of Edgcumb’s assault upon 
Mancel Tewkes at the office. He was very much excited over 
it. It was only a few days afterward that I noticed the knife 
was missing.” 


128 THE DUKE OF ABGANUM. 

“ Was it before the murder that you noticed the absence of 
the knife 

Yes.'' 

How long before ? " 

Perhaps a week." 

“ Did you make any remarks to Kye concerning its disap- 
pearance f " 

Yes; I asked him what had become of it." 

What reply did he make f " 

“ He said that he had loaned it to a friend." 

Were there any peculiarities about the knife that you can 
remember ? " 

“ Only one, I believe." 

What was that? " 

There was a long crack on one side of the handle." 

“ Have you ever seen the knife since its disappearance from 
Eye’s room about the time stated ? " 

I have not." 

“ Do you think that you would recognize it if you should see 
it again? " 

I think I should, without doubt." 

Is that it ? " asked the State's Attorney, producing and 
handing to Chloe the knife which had been found in the mur- 
dered man's body. 

Chloe pretended to examine it carefully. “Yes, sir^ that is 
the knife which belonged to James Kye." 

“ Are you sure of it? " 

“ Yes, I am positive," answered Chloe, in a firm voice. 

“Very well; that is all. You may have the witness, Mr. 
Davids, " said the State's Attorney, turning to that gentleman. 

The trying ordeal^of a cross-examination, wherein the adroit 
lawyer juggles with the witness' character, covering his victim 
with shame, confusion and contradiction, had yet to be under- 
gone. But Chloe nerved herself to the task. Who has 
submitted to this trying scrutiny and has retired with a good 
opinion of himself? Is it strange that with the certainty of 
such a smirching before him the witness shrinks from the 
encounter? Is it strange that from this cause many are 
deterred from giving valuable evidence — many whose voices 


mt: thial. 


129 


might be lifted up in the temple of justice for justice, but whose 
tongues remain silent forever? There is no desire to shield 
such witnesses as Chloe from a just inquisition, but for one such 
there are thousands of honorable citizens who are compelled to 
submit to these indignities, who are led thoughtlessly into pit- 
falls, and robbed of all self-respect by the methods adopted in 
criminal practice and recognized by the courts in cross- 
examination. 

It was plain to be seen that the counsel for the defense was 
an adept in such matters. He had handled Coulter, while on 
the rack, in such a way that it left no room for doubt as to his 
ability. Chloe, however, displayed a singular self-control which 
seemed to irritate the lawyer from the beginning. In vain did 
he ply her with the most searching questions, thrust the most 
provoking insinuations; indulge in the keenest satire and the 
most biting sarcasm, but ho failed to disturb her equilibrium. 
She had learned her part well and passed the ordeal unscathed. 
There was no humiliation on her part, because she had no honor 
to lose. All womanly sensitiveness was dulled by her blind 
devotion to Coulter. She dallied in the lap of scorn and came 
out triumphant. For once the lawyer was humiliated instead 
of the witness. 

Next came the testimony for the defense. Astute as he was, 
yet what evidence could Humphrey Davids offer in behalf of his 
client ? The testimony of Imogen? No ; the law does not per- 
mit the wife to testify for her husband. What then ? Why 
simply a few witnesses who had known the accused favorably 
before the murder, and the prisoner’s own evidence. There was 
no alibi] there was no Kye to testify for him, and the boy who 
had delivered the mysterious envelope could not be found. 

Edgeumb, himself, was the last to be examined. There was 
a ripple of excitement as he stepped forward. Would he 
make a clean breast of the matter and acknowledge his guilt, 
now that the case had gone so overwhelmingly against him ? ” 
many asked in their own thoughts. He was a trifle paler, and 
there was also a look of increased anxiety on his face, but his 
voice was without a trem1)r. 

By skillfully- arranged questions Humphrey Davids led the 
witness over the whole range of his testimony. It is here that 


9 


130 


THE LUKE OF ARCANUM. 


the criminal lawyer rises to the height of his art, drawing from th6 
witness, little by little, as he does, shading it at every step with 
an inference of probability, and finally developing the whole into a 
formidable array of evidence. None understood this art of inter- 
rogation better than he. None knew better how to grasp all the 
circumstances surrounding such a case, how to make much of 
little, or to bring forth responses and make them fit each other 
with the same nicety and precision as the parts which the joiner 
mortises and fits together. None knew better the patronizing, 
inferential way of making his interrogations efiective and in 
bringing forth clever answers, thus placing the witness at his 
greatest advantage before the jury. 

From the commencement of the trial Edgcumb had felt that 
his case could not rest in safer hands, and during the progress 
of his examination his hopes revived under the magnificent 
efibrts which his lawyer seemed to be putting forth in his be- 
half. He told the story of his assault upon Mancel Tewkes in 
the following language : 

“ I do admit, sir, that I did a most ungracious act in that 
respect, but who is there among men that has not, some time 
during his life, committed some rash or thoughtless act which 
he regretted afterward? I regretted my assault upon J\Ir. 
Tewkes the moment I had recovered from my passion, but at 
the time it was more than I could endure to be called before the 
Director-iu- Chief, in the presence of my confreres and be thus 
dismissed and dishonored without even a hearing. I demanded, 
what any man who has a sense of honor would, a cause for my 
dismissal, but was answered with an insult. Again I demanded 
an explanation, and again it was refused. Then, being no longer 
able to control my indignation, I seized him by the throat. 

There was something in those words, so earnestly spoken, 
which seemed to carry a conviction of truthfulness with them. 
If the jury had been unduly influenced by the prosecution, as 
w as undoubtedly the case, their prejudices were at least modified 
by the noble bearing and utterances of the prisoner. 

Edgcumb then gave a detailed account of all which had trans- 
pired from the time when he left the office to that of his arrest. 
He did not speak of his conversation with Kye because there was 
no way of proving that his theories were correct. He felt, 


THE TEIAL. 


131 


as did Humphrey Davids^ that they were true, for the evidence 
of Pintiird and of Louis Carroll had shown the handiwork of 
conspirators, but they were helpless and unable to combat them. 

The completion of Edgcumb^s testimony brought the trial 
nearly to a close. There remained now only the arguments of 
the lawyers and the judge^s charge to the jury. Humphrey 
Davids began his address, prefacing as follows : 

“ Gentlemen of the jury: You have been chosen by the laws 
of your State to fulfill a most unpleasant and trying duty — to 
give judgment in the case of the People vs. Stanley Edgcumb, 
charged with the murder of Mancel Tewkes. It is presumed 
that you are all impartial and fair-thinking men, and as such 
you are chosen. You are actuated by all of the common im- 
pulses of men; you feel, think and act as other men do, and you 
cannot for a moment forget that it is upon the life of a human 
being, one who thinks, feels and acts as one of yourselves, that 
you are about to pass judgment. Stanley Edgcumb is one of 
nature’s noblest productions. He is the soul of honor and truth- 
fulness ; of that nobility of nature that can not find it in his 
heart to commit a crime. He does not stand before you as a 
supplicant for mercy, but he stands with innocence stamped 
upon his brow, and demands that justice shall strike where it 
deserves, but that innocence shall not be made a cat’s paw for 
crime. 

Gentlemen, I am as thoroughly convinced that Mancel 
Tewkes did not fall by the hand of this man, whose life is now 
trembling in the balance, as I am that the planet on which we 
dwell travels in its unmeasurable path through space 
obedient to the laws of the Creator. Do we see the earth turn 
upon its axis'? Do we experience a sensation of plunging 
through space at the tremendous rate of which astronomers tell 
us? No. But the fact is made apparent by a process of reason- 
ing which is patent to all intelligent beings. Did I see the hand 
that stabbed Mancel Tewkes? No. But by those same reason- 
ing powers I can say with equal assurance that it was not the 
hand of Stanley Edgcumb that did it. Men who commit abhor- 
rent crimes are base by nature. They are but a step in the evo- 
lution of things above the snake in the grass which sinks its 
venomous fangs into an unsuspecting victim. They are devoid 


132 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 

of principle, honor, humanity, of all that which engenders fel- 
lowship and good feeling among men. All great students of 
nature tell us that it lea res its imprint upon every living thing. 
Jurymen, I ask you to turn and look into the countenance of 
the man who stands aceused before you, and see if you can 
detect any of those evidences of baseness there. Who has scanned 
that pale and anxious face during the progress of this trial 
and has tailed to notice the look of tenderness, love and solici- 
tude which he has so often east upon his wife and children, who 
have remained near him, enveloped in the shadows of uncer- 
tainty and misgiving? Who has gazed into those clear, calm 
eyes and can gainsay their undisturbed tranquillity? Eyes 
which can lift an honorable gaze to all the world are not the 
eyes of a murderer. ” 

Thus far only had the speaker proceeded ere the liveliest 
interest was awakened in all parts of the room. Edgcumh cast 
upon him a look of admiration. Imogen covered her eyes with 
her handkerchief and wept, for those words had touched a 
responsive chord in her heart. Coulter frowned; while the 
jurymen, without an exception, riveted their gaze upon him. 
As the speech progressed a sensation developed. The lawyer 
was analyzing the evidence for the state, when he suddenly drew 
himself up, and, looking steadily at the jury, said: “Gentle- 
men, the law has been confidenced. The State’s Attorney has 
been confidenced. I assert, with all the solemnity which such a 
declaration inspires, that there are three witnesses who have 
given evidence for the state, among whom exists some mysterious 

understanding of the crime for which my client is now on trial 

a conspiracy, I may say, to cheat the law and, by so doing, rob 
Stanley Edgcumh of his life. You may ask. Why did we not 
prove this in presenting our case? I answer by saying that it is 
because the witness James Kye, upon whom we relied, has been 
spirited away by these self-same villains. I will go further. I 
will say that there is one who is the chief conspirator among 
them, and it was this man who sent Edgcumh the bill marked 
with the narrow strip of yellow paper. He knows who killed 
Mancel Tewkes. He is here at this moment and hears tliis 
accusation ” 

At this juncture the State’s Attorney sprang to his feet and 


TBE TBIAL. 


133 


cried: Your Honor, T object to such disgraceful proceedings. 

The counsel for the defense should he kept within bounds. He 
may entertain such thoughts, hut he has no right to express 
them here. I ask that he he instructed to confine himself to the 
evidence given in the case. 

“ The counsel must remember that it is the prisoner at the 
bar who is on trial and confine himself to the evidence given 
before the jury,^^ the judge replied. 

“ Your Honor, said Humphrey Davids, I recognize the just- 
ness of your ruling; hut, nevertheless, I feel constrained to say 
that if I occupied the seat upon the bench and saw such a 
palpable conspiracy existing 1 would order the discharge of the 
prisoner and the arrest of 

Down came the gavel in the judge^s hand with a force which 
left no room for doubt as to the determination on his part to 
maintain the discipline of the court. There was a scowl upon 
his brow, a look of rebuke and of offended dignity in his face. 

Silence ! came the stern command simultaneously with the 
report of the gavel. The court will accept no instructions or 
advice on that matter. Confine yourself to the evidence.’^ 

Humphrey Davids bowed a respectful obedience and made a 
suitable apology. He could well afibrd to do so, as he had 
gained his point. During the rest of his speech he was content 
to keep within the prescribed limits. Coulter, being overwhelmed 
by this unexpected attack, took occasion shortly thereafter to 
withdraw from the scene. 

After Humphrey Davids had taken his seat there was a few 
minutes of silence. The end was drawing near. Imogen 
scanned the faces of the jurymen with a keenness of penetration 
of which only a woman is capable. They all looked so friendly 
and pleasant she thought there could be no doubt of a favorable 
result, but a moment later she shuddered as she saw the impos- 
ing figure of the Statens Attorney rise to address the jury. 

It was a warm day, the heat being almost intolerable. The 
presence of so many people attracted thither by the speeches 
and the closing scenes of the trial rendered the atmosphere all 
the more oppressive. The jurymen, weary and worn, twitched 
nervously in their seats. Humphrey Davids, perspiring freely 
from the efi*ects of his exertion, seized a fan and sought to 


134 


THE DUKE OF AUCANVM. 

win a refreshing breath by a vigorous agitation of the stifling 
air. The sun was fully three hours past the meridian. Its 
golden rays peeped through the crevices of the blinds, shooting 
silvery streaks of dancing, infinitesmal atoms aci’oss the court- 
loom, high above the assemblage. The State’s Attorney, when 
about to commence his address, seemed to suddenly recall some 
lack of preparation, and, turning again to the table where he 
had been seated, examined for some moments several volumes 
of law, occasionally turning down a leaf for ready reference or 
citation. Again turning to the jury, he proceeded to address 
them. Let us not take unnecessary time and space in following 
him. There is much in a speech of this nature which involves a 
discussion of many principles of law having a characteristic 
apiflication to the case on trial. It embraces a retrospective 
review of the evidence. Each separate part is shaped and 
fashioned to suit, and is followed by an epilogue, or a tittiug 
together of the whole. It is embellished novr with a flow of 
pathos, and then with a burst of denunciation. If the speaker 
be profound, eloquent or impressive, he sways an irresistible 
power, for he is the last to address the jury. It is those last, 
stirring words which they hear ringing in their ears as they 
retire to make up their verdict. 

It has been said that the State’s Attorney was a man of 
uncommon ability as a speaker. He knew the subtle influence 
of an eloquent tongue, and he could deftly exert it. He had a 
pleasing intonation and modulation, and words seemed to fairly 
effervesce or bubble forth upon his lips with a surprising spon- 
taneity. The sophistry of his argument was unheeded by the 
mind which became charmed by his eloquence. After having 
exhausted his argument he closed with the following peroration : 

“ Gentlemen, we have made a complete analysis of all the evi- 
dence given in the case, from the inception to the perpetration 
of the crime. It was conceived in rank revenge and perpe- 
trated with fiendish brutality. There are no extenuating cir- 
cumstances, but the horror of the deed calls for the most pro- 
nounced execrations of mankind and the severest penalty known 
to the law. You have a solemn duty to perform. We are all 
aware that it is a most unpleasant one to pass the penalty of 
death upon a fellow-being, but the law admits of no exception. 


THE TBIAL, 


135 


The statutes are prescribed in black and white, and you have 
been chosen by this community to execute them. If you find 
the prisoner guilty the verdict must be for murder in the first 
degree. The law fixes the penalty, and you have but a plain 
duty before you — to execute the law. Be men, and let no sen- 
timentality dictate to your judgment and turn you into a course 
that will lead to public animadevrsion and self-contempt.^’ 

It was sunset upon the beautiful prairies that stretched their 
broad expanse back from the calm and motionless waters of 
Lake Michigan, when the State’s Attorney, looking steadily at 
the jurymen, closed his address. What tongue or pen can 
describe the anxiety which had pervaded Edgcumb during the 
succeeding days of this trial ! His hopes and fears had risen and 
fallen like the ebb and flow of the tide. The hour had now 
come for that suspense to deepen, for those hopes and fears to 
fluctuate still more violently, for the jury were about to retire to 
make up their verdict. He looked grave and apprehensive, 
but as he turned to Imogen and their glances met there was an 
attempt at cheerfulness. 

The lawyers read their requests, the judge his charge, and the 
jury retired. 

During the evening, or, perhaps, a couple of hours later, the 
western horizon became freighted with dark and ominous-look- 
ing clouds. Gradually they advanced, wild and dispersed, in 
ragged patches, then, knitting closely together, lowered above 
the heat-stricken city, threatening an angry tempest, while 
lurid gleams of lightning chased each other in rapid succession 
in and out of the black, impenetrable mass. There was a 
hurrying to and fro. Eyes were lifted anxiously toward the 
impending burst. Gusts of wind swept through the streets, 
catching the dust in eddying whirls, and spinning it round and 
round like diminutive cyclones. Then came a prolonged and 
muffled roll of thunder, steadily growing more and more pro- 
nounced in its mutterings, followed by a lull, during which a few 
large drops of rain came pattering down, which were succeeded by 
a terrific crash that sent the blood tingling to the roots of the hair. 

The court reassembled just as this grim sx^ectacle culminated 
in a mighty storm. The room was crowded as usual. The 
judge, the prisoner, the lawyers ^nd all were present, and hafl 


136 


THE DUKE OF AltCANUM. 


taken their accustomed seats^ save the State’s Attorney, who 
had stepped to the window to the left of the bench, and stood 
with his arm resting upon the windowsill, partially facing the 
assemblage. The air, freshened by the rain, came in in cooling 
draughts with reviving influence. He wore a smile of sanguine 
expectation. 

Edgcumb was paler than ever. A feeling of nervousness 
seemed to pervade all, occasioned as much by the expected 
verdict as by the fury of the storm. The effect was also intensi- 
fled by the impoverished light of the room, which consisted of a 
few dismal gas-jets, giving a dreary appearance to the sur- 
roundings. 

The storm beat mercilessly down. There were blinding 
flashes which seemed to leave the room each time darker than 
before. A breathless anxiety quickened every i^ulse as the 
twelve juiymen filed in. Although there seemed to be an 
unusual degree of solemnity in their movements and features, 
yet there lurked withal a certain satisfied expression as if the 
qualms of conscience had been subdued, and their minds were 
at rest, having fulfilled a disagreeable duty. 

Above the din of the storm, which every instant increased in 
violence, the voice of the judge was scarcely audible as he 
directed the clerk to read the verdict. 

“ We, the jury, find the defendant, Stanley Edgcumb, guilty 
of murder in the first degree as charged, and ” 

Heaven seemed to forefend the reading of that verdict which 
was to sentence an innocent man to death, for at this juncture 
there came an appalling crash, and a blinding flash, which 
struck terror to every spectator of the scene. The State’s 
Attorney was seen to fall heavily forward upon his face. The 
bolt had stretched him lifeless upon the floor. A carnival of 
disorder, which was terrifying, supervened. Some hastened to 
the prostrate form; others, not knowing the cause of the 
excitement, rushed wildly toward the door. A cry of fire arose, 
and an indescribable panic ensued. The judge lost his self- 
control, and for several minutes made no attempt to suppress 
the turmoil. When at length quiet was restored, and the court 
was called to order, it was discovered that the prisoner was 
nowhere to be seen. 


CHAPTER XI. 


THE ESCAPE. 

Ih the excitemept which followed the death of the State’s 
Attorney Edgcumb appeared to he the only one in the court- 
room with a cool head, although the sentence of death was about 
to bo passed upon him. He was quick to avail himself of the 
opportunity which the thunderbolt had afforded. It seemed as 
if Providence had ordained this fatality that justice might recoil 
upon his enemies, and the innocent be offered an avenue of 
escape. In that supreme moment of confusion, when the officers 
had unwittingly rushed to where the State’s Attorney lay, a 
realization of that terrible verdict GUILTY burst upon him. 
The lightning’s stroke had been almost synchronous with the 
utterance of that word, so that its full effect was momentarily 
lost. But when the moment of realization came, and he saw a 
chance for escape through the turmoil and excitement which 
prevailed, and, realizing that it was all that stood between him 
and the gallows, he seized the opportunity with the desperation 
of despair, and, leaping over the railing, pushed into the crowd 
and quickly found himself in the street below. As he reached 
the walk, where the furious storm came down in torrents, he 
heard the alarm in the corridors above sounding the discovery 
of his flight, but he dashed into the street and fled through the 
gloom as a startled hare flees with elastic bounds to a covert in 
the thicket’s density. He knew that while the storm lasted he 
could run safely at the top of his speed without the danger of 
being molested by an officer, hence he made all haste to place 
the greatest distance possible between himself and his pursuers, 
turning into unfrequented streets and alleys, where the darkness 
was so intense that he would have been compelled to grope his 
way but for the frequent flashes of lightning. Thus he hurried 
on in the direction of his home — a home which he had never 


137 


138 


THE DUKE OE ABCANUM. 


seen, but of which he knew the precise location by a description 
which his wife had given him. Her removal had been unnoticed 
by the police. Feeling that the prisoner was secure, and not 
anticipating such an eventuatiou, they had cared little what 
became of her, and did not interest themselves in her move- 
ments. Stanley supposed this to be the case, but he was aware 
that no time would be lost in locating the house, after which it 
would be impossible to enter it. 

Imogen had been in attendance at the trial all of that day np 
to the close of the Statens Attorney's address, when she left for 
home in deference to the wish of her husband, who did not desire 
to have her present when the verdict was announced. She had 
waited all the evening for tidings in the most dreadful suspense, 
and, drawing the little ones close to her knee, had watched the 
gathering storm which somehow seemed to fill her with dismal 
forebodings, or to be portentous of some approaching calamity. 
She could not rid herself of this feeling of depression which 
came over her with the advent of the storm. Sitting silently by 
the window she watched and waited, the children nestling 
closely by her side, burying their frightened faces in the folds 
of her dress at every peal and flash, until they finally fell asleep. 

The storm had slackened its violence, but a gentle rain was 
still falling noiselessly upon the deserted streets, when Imogen 
observed the figure of a man slowly approach and pause upon the 
walk before the house. He was evidently trying to make out the 
number above the door. Her heart fluttered with excitement, 
and she strained her eyes, endeavoring to recognize him. It 
could not be Stanley, because he seemed to be acting cautiously. 
She moved the shutters with a slight noise to attract his 
attention, and, hearing it, he stepped hurriedly to the window. 
Who is there f he asked, softly, but in an anxious tone. 

Imogen, not recognizing the voice, partly opened the shutter 
and said : “ This is number 521. Who are you looking for 
For you, Imogen. Open the door as quickly as possible, 
and don’t utter a word ; my life depends upon it.” 

Stanley spoke in a suppressed tone, scarcely above a whisper. 
Com])rehending that something was wrong, and very much 
agitated at the sudden appearance of her husband in this com- 
promising manner, Imogen opened the door, and, as Stanley 















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THE ESCAPE. 131) 

entered, she threw her arras about his neck, exclaiming, “ Oh, 
ray dear, dear husband ! 

Edgcumb presented a most wretched appearance with his 
clothes clinging tightly to his body, the water running ininiature 
rivulets from the rim of his hat, and his long hair hanging like 
ragged shreds from a tattered garment. But to all this Imogen 
was blind for the moment. She was overjoyed to again look 
into his face outside of the prison walls and she rested her head 
upon his broad shoulders, unmindful of the drops that trickled 
down into her partially upturned face. What a moment of bliss 
and happiness ! But, alas, not one of long duration. 

“ Sh-h-h-h, don’t speak above a whisper,” Stanley cautioned? 
as he embraced her. It must not be known that I am here.” 

“ Why, Stanley, what is the matter? Did the jury not acquit 
you ? ” 

“ No, I am convicted and sentenced to death, but I did not 
stay long enough to hear that part of the verdict. ” 

What, you have escaped ? ” 

“ Yes ; I am a fugitive ; the hounds are after me, but the rain 
will spoil their scent. I have hurried here to see you while I 
have a chance.” 

“ Oh, Stanley, I was afraid that speech of the State’s Attorney 
would overcome your defense. I was hopeful until then, and it 
made my blood run cold to hear it.” 

It was a powerful speech and I was undone by it, but it was 
his last, for he is dead.” 

“Dead! The State’s Attorney dead? Oh, my husband! 
You have not done this? You have not stained your hands with 
his blood ? ” 

“ No, dearest ; he was struck dead by lightning in the court- 
room, just as the verdict was being read, and I escaped in the 
confusion which followed. It will soon be known over the city, 
and every effort will be made to retake me. Time is precious, 
my darling. I can only be with you a few moments, for there is 
no safety here. I was most imprudent in coming at all, but 
instinct seemed to turn my steps hither. You are the only one 
now in all the world who cares for the man condemned to die, 
and it is natural that I should wish to see you a moment, even 
at the risk of my life.” 


140 


THE 1)VRE OF AlWANUM. 


And I, Stanley, am overjoj^ed to see you, even though you 
are a fugitive. My hopes and prayers are with you. God is 
with you, too, or He would not have interposed to save you in 
such a miraculous manner. Your innocence shall triumph yet. 
Be brave, my dear boy, and do the best you can. I will struggle 
on as I have for the last year. Go — tiy ; do not tarry an instant 
w^here your life is in peril. 

My wife, my brave, faithful little wife,^^ said Stanley, press- 
ing her to his bosom, “ we never thought, during those happy 
years in the cottage, that such a misfortune would befall us, 
that we should be so cruelly separated, but fortune has strange 
and unaccountable freaks. It warms my heart, though, in my 
hour of trouble, to hear such expressions of confidence in my 
innocence. It is worth all the weary months of suflering which 
I have endured to listen to those words of love and devotion. 
Be brave, Imogen, and I shall wfin a place for you yet which 
you will not be ashamed of. Listen a moment to what I have 
to say. I shall always be somewhere near you. I shall see you 
w^hen you least expect it; but, if you should recognize me, you 
must never, by word or look, give token of it, for it would be 
fatal to all my plans. The police must be misled. Do not 
leave the city under any circumstances, as I may not be able to 
find you. Now, Imogen, have I an old suit of clothes which you 
have preserved? 

Yes — let me think — yes; there are some clothes in the old 
red chest. Let me bring them out. 

Be quick, or they will have me before I can get away.^^ 
Imogen closed the shutters tightly, locked the door, and 
delved into a large chest which stood in the corner of the room. 
Some old garments were brought forth, which Stanley examined 
critically by the lamp-light. They w^ere much worn, but he 
hastily exchanged for them, casting off those which he had 
Avorn so long in the prison, and which were familiar to the 
officers. Taking a pencil from his pocket he then glanced about 
for something upon which to write. A loaf of bread lay upon 
the table, wrapped in a piece of manilla paper, which Paget 
had bought from the bakery before the storm. Tearing off* a 
corner of the paper he hastily wrote the following upon it : 


THE ESCAPE. 


141 


dear wife, you will hear it all. It is more than I can bear. T am 
innoeent, but I am dogged by fate, and the scaftbld stares me in the face. I 
have escaped from the officers, but I have neither money nor friends, and 
feeling certain that I shall soon be retaken, and preferring death by my own 
hands to the uncertainty of a fugitive’s life and separation from you, or to the 
more inevitable fate of the scaffold, I have cast myself despairingly into the 
lake in hopes that I shall there find the rest which is denied me here. For- 
give me, my dear, and let only the tender memories of our happiness 
before trouble befell us be recalled to you, forgetting the miserable fate of 
your unhappy husband. Imogen, may God bless and protect you and our 
children. Farewell. 

Stanley,” 

Having finished, he handed the paper to Imogen without 
explanation, being absorbed in the formation of his plans. A 
deathly pallor spread over her face, and she became speechless 
as she perused it. 

“ Wby, Imogen, what is it? Stanley inquired, distressed at 
her appearance. 

Suicide! she gasped. You ask me what is the matter 
after such an announcement as this?^^ pointing to the paper, 
which had fallen to the floor. 

Then his thoughtless act flashed upon him. Ah, Imogen, 
calm yourself, have no fear. That is but part of the plan which 
I have formed to elude the police. I have no intention of com- 
mitting such an act. I was certainly imprudent in giving you 
the note without an explanation. No, my dear, have no fear. 
I will tell you my plans. I am going to leave these old clothes 
at some point near the lake, with this note attached to them. 
They will be discovered and taken to the police station, and 
probably turned over to you. You understand now, and you 
must play your part well. You must be able to identify the 
writing and affect sorrow at the news. I hope by these tactics 
to elude them, and to finally escape their vigilance altogether. 
Will you do this, Imogen? 

“ Anything, my dear husband, to save you. I would willingly 
lay down my life for you this instant.’^ 

“ And I for you. God bless you ! said Stanley, as he re- 
newed the embrace which he had relinquished during his 
explanation. 

Edgeumb’s eyes wandered to the paper on the floor, and thence 
to the table. An idea occurred to him. There was a clue for 


142 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


the police; he must obliterate it. Stepping quickly to the table 
he removed the wrapper from the bread and burned it over the 
lamp-chimney. 

“ These detectives^ you know, are very cunning, and if, after 
coming into possession of this farewell note they should happen 
in here and fit it into the corner from which I have torn it, they 
would know that I have been here, and that it is only a ruse. 
Now, Imogen, only one further preparation remains, after which 
I shall be off like the wind. I must have my hair shorn, for 
these locks are too conspicuous and well known. ” 

Appreciating the necessity for a celerity of action Imogen seized 
her shears, and set to work at once, divesting his head of the 
long, shaggy locks. Her fingers being nimble, it required but a 
short time to accomplish the task, when Stanley arose to take 
his departure. 

“ There is an end to all things, said he, rather facetiously, 
looking at the tufts on the floor, and running his hand over his 
almost denuded poll. “ And an end to my visit has come also ; 
but, the children — I had almost forgotten them.^^ 

Imogen had laid them on the bed before admitting her hus- 
band, and they were still wrapt in the deepest slumber. Step- 
ping to where they lay, Stanley bent over and kissed their quiet 
faces. His eyes moistened as he contemplated them; they had 
been fatherless so long, and might soon be forever if fortune did 
not favor him exceedingly. The moment had come to take 
leave of them, but it seemed impossible to tear himself away. 
Dashing his hand over his eyes he then gave Imogen a farewell 
embrace, and rolling up the clothes he placed them under his 
arm and departed, carrying with him the loaf of bread, for 
Imogen had insisted upon his taking it. 

The storm had wholly subsided. The sidereal splendor of 
the firmament was again visible and through the purified atmo- 
sphere the stars seemed to glisten with unwonted brilliancy 
from their dark empyrean vault. Only here and there small 
patches of fleecy clouds, like streaks of nebulm, were visible. 
It was an inspiring sight to again look upon the glittering hosts 
which spangled all the sky. It had been denied him foi- many 
a long month, and he paused repeatedly to cast liis eyes 
upward. The heavens had never appeared so interesting to 


THE ESCAPE. 


143 


him before; but, as his vision again penetrated the deserted 
streets, he could not escape a feeling of loneliness. He felt like 
one isolated from the world, and the thought came to him that 
henceforth, should he escape the clutches of the law, he would 
be a wanderer, skulking here and there like a wild beast which 
leaves its lair only under cover of the night, and which the 
breaking of a twig startles into an attitude of defense or pre- 
cipitate flight. 

Edgcumb moved cautiously toward the lake, occasionally 
crouching in shadowy places to escape the notice of persons 
whom he imagined were otflcers. He had proceeded some 
distance when suddenly, a few rods in advance, two officers 
turned the corner and came directly toward him. He had kept 
closely in the shadow of the houses and was as yet unperceived. 
He could not at first establish their identity, but all doubts were 
speedily removed as the sharp crack of a policemans club 
resounded as it was struck against an iron basement guard. Ho 
was at a loss to know what to do for an instant, but there was 
no time to be wasted in thinking. A single glance was suffi- 
cient to take in the situation and determine his course. There 
was no place of concealment at hand, and it would not be pru- 
dent to attempt to pass them by putting on a bold front, as the 
bundle which he carried in his arms would be likely to compro- 
mise him. His only alternative, then, was to turn back and 
walk away unnoticed, if he could, or take to his heels if he 
must. Holding the bundle directly before him, he turned, but 
barely a dozen steps had been taken ere the officers perceived 
him, and, their suspicions being aroused by his actions, they 
increased their leisurely gait to a rapid walk to overtake him. 
Then he, also, quickened his pace, taking immense strides and 
holding his course still in the direction of the lake. But seeing 
that a chase was inevitable, and, wishing to gain every inch pos- 
sible to his advantage, he started on a run. The pursuit now 
began in earnest. It was a race for life with Edgcumb scarcely 
fifty yards in advance. No place of refuge seemed available 
where he could dart in unobserved and secrete himself. He had 
reached a point near the Rush street bridge where there is a 
gradual converging of Kinzie and Michigan streets until the 
distance between them is narrowed to a few feet at the crossing 


144 


THE DUKE OF AECANVM. 


of Rush. An alley, running parallel betvYeen these streets, also 
dehouches into Rush street, terminating at this triangular point. 
It is here that the incline approach to the bridge commences. 
His intentions were to cross the river, for he supposed that the 
bridge at that hour of night would be entirely unfrequented. 
Approaching this locality at a furious pace, he turned abruptly 
from Michigan street into Pine, then, dashing through the alley 
to the point above described, he darted up the incline at the top 
of his speed. 

A few weeks previous to this occurrence, a large propeller 
had collided with the bridge and nearly demolished it, * since 
which time it had remained open for repairs. His long con- 
finement had i)recluded the possibility of knowing or hearing 
of such occurrences, and he was, of course, not aware of this. 
What was his horror, then, upon discovering only a gaping 
chasm before him, with his retreat cut olf in the rear, and the 
officers close upon him. It is at such critical moments, when 
the mind is sorely taxed for resources, that expedients develop 
with incredible spontaniety. Such a one came to him as ho 
was about to leap into the dark abyss before him. He thought 
of a stairway which descended from the eastern abutment to 
the wharf below. It was close at hand, and with one bound he 
reached it and darted down, scarcely touching a third of the 
steps in his flight; and none too soon, for as ho reached the 
wharf the officers seized the railing at the top of the stairs. 

The darkness along the wharf was intense, but Edgcumb was 
used to the gloom of a prison cell and could sec much better 
than his pursuers. He was resolved upon taking a desperate 
course if necessary to effect his escape, hence, instead of rushing 
recklessly along the wharf, he crouched down beside the stairs, 
neiir the edge of the wharf. An officer descended cautiously, 
groping his way and feeling for the fugitive. As he stepped 
upon the wharf he paused a moment to get his bearings, as he 
well knew it to be a dangerous ifiace in which to move hastily. 
The skirt of his coat brushed Edgeumb^s face. It was the 
moment for action, and a critical one, which meant life or death 
to him. He raised himself erect; the dark form was before 


This accident to the bridge at that time is a matter of municipal history. 


THE ESCAPE, 


145 


him; then having in mind a noted criminal by the name of 
Grit McGuire, who had recently escaped from prison, he gave 
the officer a terrific push, crying out as he did so : Youdl 

never follow Grit McGuire again, d n you!^^ There was a 

cry and a splash, but Edgcumb heard no more, for seizing his 
bundle he made his way along the docks, finally taking refuge 
in a lumber yard near the entrance to the harbor. 

An hour later, having become satisfied that the chase had been 
abandoned, Edgcumb moved out of his hiding place and walked 
along the lake shore until he found a convenient place for leaving 
the garments which were to be the evidence of his self-destruction. 
Placing them in a position, with the note attached, he proceeded 
to prepare evidence that he had acted in accordance with his 
announcement by walking across the sandy beach, and wading 
to the breakwater a few yards from the shore. Reaching this, 
he climbed upon it and crept along on the rough stone for some 
distance until he came to a small pier, by which he returned to 
the shore. Worn with fatigue and excitement, he now began to 
look for some spot where he could spend the night in safety. 
He had relieved his hunger at the lumber yard by eating part 
of the loaf which Imogen had placed in his hand, but he was 
exceedingly tired from the long chase which the officers had 
given him. Not far from the point where he had left his clothing, 
or not more than two hundred yards from the shore, stood a 
large brewery. It fronted upon a street running west from the 
the lake. About midway from end to end of this building, on 
the side toward the lake, there was a large wing, which had 
apparently been added some time after the main building was 
constructed. In the angle formed by the wall of the main 
structure and the wing there was an accumulation of worn-out 
and useless articles which had once done service within. Among 
them was a large malt -tub, several feet in diameter, bound with 
large iron bands, eroded from exposure, the whole having a 
dilapidated and weather-beaten appearance. It lay partially 
inverted toward the wall and almost immediately in the angle 
described. Edgcumb could see the dark outline of the pro- 
digious building in the starlight, and he advanced slowly toward 
it, thinking that perhaps it might offer a temporary asylum, where 
he could remain a few hours undisturbed. As he drew near 


14G 


THE DUKE OF AECANVM, 


the place he saw sudden Hashes of light, which he thought 
came from a watchman’s lantern. After they had ceased 
altogetlier, he skirted along the eastern wall of the brewery 
until he reached the accumulation of rubbish in the corner. 
Carefully he examined one thing after another until he paused 
before the huge tub. “ A most excellent retreat, ” he exclaimed. 

1 will do like Diogenes, I will make my home in a tub.” And 
he explored its interior by the light of a match which he 
chanced to find in his pocket. 

As Edgeumb lay down to rest, all of the exciting incidents of 
the day and night passed in rapid review through his mind. 
He thought of the officer whom he had thrown into the river and 
wondered what had been his fate. He felt a pang of regret at 
having hurled the man, perhaps, to a watery grave, and he 
endeavored by force of argument to justify the act. “ If the 
man is dead,” he soliloquized, no one regrets it more than I, 
or the circumstances which made it a necessity. It was a 
matter of self-preservation. I am an innocent man, but my life 
would have been forfeited had I permitted myself to be taken. 
I am young, and have a wife and family, and everything to live 
for. God himself cannot deny me the right to live, and how 
then can He censure me for acting upon the first law of nature, 
even though I sacrificed another’s life in doing so f Had I been 
guilty of the crime for which I have been tried and convicted, 
and had then added another in my efforts to escape a just punish- 
ment, it would have been a different matter, one devoid of 
extenuating circumstances and deserving of His implacable 
wrath. It was long before he could induce sleep, and when it 
came it was disturbed by fitful dreams in which he fancied that 
he saw the white, upturned face of a corpse floating upon the 
dark surface of the river. 

Edgeumb did not awaken until long after the morning had 
dawned. The great brewery, which had been wrapped for hours 
in a nocturnal mantle, deserted by all save the watchman who 
had occasionally made his rounds during the night, had mean- 
while performed its usual functions. It was now astir with life 
and activity. Dense volumes of smoke poui’ed from its lofty 
chimney. The ponderous machinery had resumed its quotidian 
clanking and monotonous pulsations, while a responsive gurgle 


Tim ESCAPE. 


147 


came from the huge pump as it forced the amber fluid through 
the long reaches of iron pipe and copper coils of the cooler into 
the monstrous tubs and vats, flushing them with every action of 
the valves, as the human arteries are flushed with every throb 
of the heart. The steam mashpits sizzled and cooked, emitting 
clouds of steam, pregnant with the odor of barley. The great 
copper caldrons, retort-shaped, were seething while the brew- 
ers were busy shoveling hops into their capacious maws from 
the barrels and bales which stood numerously about. Men were 
everywhere at work ; some rolling the grain upon trucks, others 
watching and tending the various stages of malt-making, turn- 
ing tlie sprouting grain upon floors, or gathering the malt 
into heaps, singing the while some merry German ditty. Teams 
coming and going, loading and unloading, the coarse laughter 
of the drivers and brewers, the tramping of horses, and the roll 
of the machinery formed in its whole a noisy and animated scene. 

After breakfasting upon the half loaf of bread which he had 
saved for his morning meal, Edgcumb began to consider what 
his future course should be. There must be some means of pro- 
curing subsistence, and yet he knew that it would not be 
prudent to remain in the city, for the vigilant eyes of the police 
were everywhere and his detection would only be a question of 
time. To be sure, he was somewhat altered in appearance by a 
change of raiment, and being shorn of the long hair which he 
had worn in his confinement, but this was not sufficient to baffle 
them. Of course he could not tell what would be the result of 
the finding of the garments on the beach. He hoped that it 
would mislead them, but he was aware that they were familiar 
with all such cunning devices, and that, even were they disposed 
to accept the evidence of suicide, they would not relax their 
vigilance or abate one whit their watchfulness of every avenue 
of escape. How, then, could he extricate himself, penniless, hat- 
less, without a friend, and only the hollow of a huge tub to 
shield him from the world which clamored for his life. What 
would become of him when he stepped out into that world to 
struggle against the odds and uncertainties which would beset 
him everywhere*? He thought long and earnestly over the 
situation, calculating upon the various plans which were 


148 


THE DUKE OF AEGANUM. 


suggested to his mind. Finally peering out, and surveying the 
great walls of the brewery, he wondered if, after all, there was 
not right there within them a greater place of safety, tempo- 
rarily, than any which he had considered before ; and one which 
would also provide him with subsistence. Placing his hand to 
his brow he appeared to meditate for awhile. We shall see 
presently wiiat occupied his thoughts, for, acting upon their 
impulse, he left his covert within the tub and walked boldly 
along the side of the building, turned the corner and entered the 
brewery by the arcade where the teams were driven in and out. 

A few steps from the entrance and to the right of this arcade 
was a door, over which was fastened a small sign of “ Office. 
Stopping before the door, Edgcumb glanced at the sign, then 
farther, through the arcade, to the busy scene beyond. There 
was some hesitation in his manner, as if he were undecided 
where to go; but, choosing the office, he pushed open the door, 
which was slightly ajar, and entered, finding himself at once in 
the presence of a number of persons. Advancing to the nearest 
desk, at which sat a middle-aged man, with strongly-marked 
German features, whose florid countenance and rotund figure 
gave evidence that he was a consumer as well as a producer, on 
a large scale, he asked, “ Is the proprietor inf 

The sturdy German glanced at the stranger with a puzzled 
look and replied, “ Dot’s vot I am, zur, von uv dem. Want to 
puy some peer, heyf ” 

“No, that is not my errand. I am in trouble, and I 
thought that you might possibly help me out of it.” 

“ How ish dot f ” the brewer asked, now scrutinizing his visitor 
closely from head to foot. 

“ Well, sir, I was washed overboard last night from a vessel 
and beat about in Lake Michigan for several hours clinging to 
a plank. I thought my time had surely come.” 

“ Ish dot so? ” asked the astonished listener. Then, turning 
squarely around in his chair, so as to face the hero of this thrill- 
ing incident, he inquired : “ You fell off der sheep in der lake f 

Py damn, dot vas von fearful shvim. How did dot happen, mine 
fren’ f ” 

By this time all had become eager listeners. The cashier, who 


TRE ESCAPE. 


149 


was busy looking over a number of checks and drafts before him, 
lost track of his computations; the bookkeeper, who had 
plucked his pen from behind his ear, held it motionless; while 
even the small office-boy, who was engaged at the letter-press, 
abstractedly sized the face of the freshly-written letters instead 
of the tissue pages of his copy-book, smearing them beyond the 
possibility of interpretation, so interested had he become in the 
remarks and appearance of the stranger. 

Edgcumb then proceeded to tell his story : “ I arrived in Chi- 
cago about ten days ago, with very little money in my pocket, 
in search of work. Having no profession or trade to follow, I 
found it a difficult matter to get anything to do. Yesterday 
morning I used the last of my money to buy my breakfast, but 
during the day I found an opportunity to work my passage back 
to the East on board of a vessel bound for Buffalo with a cargo 
of grain. We left port about sundown, and after being towed 
well out of the harbor we set sail under full canvas and soon 
got well under way. Shortly afterward we were struck by a 
terrific storm 

“ Py damn,^^ interrupted the brewer, dot vos von dherrific 
sthorm. I daught it might blow all der peer into der lake, mit 
der brewery, also. 

Well,^^ continued Edgcumb, it caught us so suddenly that 
I was not prepared for it. All the rest, who were old sailors, 
were used to such things, and clutched hold of something, but 
before I could get my wits about me I was swept overboard. 
The sailors threw a plank tome, which I succeeded in clutching, 
and after tossing about for many hcurs I was thrown upon the 
beach. I was so exhausted that I laid down under a tree until 
morning, and now here I am safe and sound, but you see I am 
wet and have no hat. 

“ Py damn ! dot vos von lucky ^scape. Yot can I do for you, 
mine fren’ ? 

Give me a little work if you can, if iPs only for a single day. 

“ Py damn! doPs vot I vil do.^^ Then, running his hand 
down in his pocket, the brewer drew forth a well-filled wallet. 
Taking out a crisp note, he grasped Stanley warmly by the 
hand, saying-: “ I geef you dees in adwance. You may go to 


150 


TEE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 

work now/^ then turning to those about him he asked : PoyS, 
ez any von of you got a hat ez vot he don’ vant ? ” 

A hat was immediately forthcoming. The foreman was called 
and Stanley was shown to the malt-room, where he was soon at 
work turning the sprouting barley on the floor. 


CHAPTER XIL 


JARMYN. 

Jaemyit, the detective, had recently done some excellent 
work in two or three noted criminal cases, which had given him 
considerable celebrity in police circles, and his name had become 
a terror to all offenders of the law. At “French Amiens, 
where he was known as “ Jarmyn Chien,^^ he was especially 
dreaded, and the burly proprietress would invariably shake her 
fist and pronounce the direst anathemas against him whenever 
any of the inmates or loungers mentioned his name. He seemed 
to have such original methods of discovering clews, and such 
unerring judgment in following them, that it excited the envy 
of his confreres and the admiration of his chief. To such an 
extent did the latter rely upon his services that the very moment 
a crime of unusual importance was reported, he would invariably 
exclaim: “ Call Jarmyn quickly; I wish to see him at once! 
In appearance this somewhat remarkable person was slightly 
above the average stature, with broad, square shoulders and a 
well-proportioned body. He wore a short, sandy beard, while 
his hair was of a corresponding color. His eyes were a steel 
gray, sharp and piercing. He was a man of great natural 
shrewdness, far-seeing, and a close observer, with much practi- 
cal good sense and intelligence, and withal a good judge of 
human nature. 

At the time of the murder of Mancel Tewkes, Jarmyn had 
not yet attained much notoriety, and his opinions were not 
sought as eagerly then as now. Being rather of a taciturn 
nature — save when the role he was playing as detective called 
for loquacity and a congenial spirit — and never seeking to pro- 
mote his own interests by venturing unasked his opinions or 
theories to his superiors, Jarmyn had kept his ideas of that 
affair to himself, and whenever interrogated by others concern- 

151 


152 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


ing bis belief in regard to tbe crime, he would shrug his 
shoulders and reply: “ I’m not on the case.” But the cunning 
eletective had a most decided opinion, nevertheless, of that 
Giranger street afiiair, and it was far different from the views 
entertained by any of the others, and by the Chief of Police in 
particular. 

In sifting all the circumstances which had any possible bear- 
ing upon such a case, Jarmyn first sought for a motive to inspire 
the act. He could see none on Edgcumb’s part, for the com- 
mission of such a crime. He could not have expected to find a 
large sum of money on Mancel Tewkes’ person, and the mere 
fact of having been discharged by him would never have incited 
thoughts of murder, he argued. He regarded Edgcumb as 
either a victim of circumstantial evidence, or of a plot to throw 
the responsibility of tlie crime upon his shoulders. As to cir- 
cumstantial evidence, Jarmyn was a man of too much good 
sense to be deceived by “ illusions, ” as he termed them. Therein 
is where he differed from the majority of his craft, for he did 
not accept such evidence when it could not be substantiated by 
positive and convincing proof. He was honest in his convictions 
and his profession. He recognized the fact that every man is 
amenable to the law for his actions, but that he should be 
held accountable for unlawful acta by direct and positive proof, 
not by mere compromising circumstances. He was disposed to 
give every person his due, even those against whom his suspi- 
cions were aroused, and whom he was shadowing with fidelity; 
but not the slightest act, movement, word or look escaped him, 
and when once he had established by undisputable proof the 
fact that he was a criminal, or when the law had pronounced 
him such, he w'ould pounce upon him as mercilessly as a cat 
upon a mouse, and his eyes would gleam with the same satis- 
faction, for he loathed a criminal as he loathed a snake. 

Jarmyn was inclined to believe that the evidence against 
Edgcumb was wholly the result of a design or a conspiracy. 
Underneath the coarse exterior of the mantle of compiomislng 
evidence which the police had woven around the prisoner, his 
practiced eye seemed to d&tect the fine liandiwork of some one 
who had committed the crime, and had souglit to tims quietly 
conceal his own connection with it. As yet it was indefinable. 


JAEMYN. 


153 


He alone felt inclined to give credence to the story which the 
prisoner had told of having received the money in such a 
mysterious manner, of finding the lost message, and the way 
in which he accounted for being upon the scene of the murder. 

It is all perfectly plausible, he argued, and if true, it 
supports the theory of a conspiracy. If it is such, then surely 
Edgcumb must have an enemy lurking somewhere near.^^ And 
he kept a close watch upon the case, determined to locate that 
enemy if one existed. At different times he made inquiries 
among the employes of the telegraph' office, but he fixiled to find 
any one who had aught to say against Edgcumb. Thus matters 
remained for several months. The detective was puzzled to his 
wits^ end to find anything tangible to work upon, but he per- 
sistently held to his theory and purpose. Finally one day, as 
he sat with the Chief of Police, convei’sing, in an informal man- 
ner, the subject of Edgcumb’s approaching trial was touched 
upon. The Chief was congratulating himself and his bureau 
upon the speedy manner in which this murderer had been appre- 
hended. “ For a case which promised to be a most compli- 
cated one it was the neatest piece of work 1 have ever known, 
he said, “ and thanks to Director-in-Chief Coulter of the tele- 
graph office, or we might bo looking for the murderer still. 

How so? asked Jarmyn. 

Well, confidentially, he gave us the tip. That fellow is as 
keen as a carpenter’s broadax, no mistake about it. You see, 
the morning after the murder he sent me this note — I have 
never shown it to you before — and I lost no time in taking him 
in.” Here the Chief drew from a drawer in his desk the note 
which Coulter had written him advising Edgcumb’s arrest, and 
passed it over to Jarmyn for perusal. 

Jarmyn took the paper and examined it critically. He did 
not verbally dissent from tlie Chief’s observation that Edgcumb 
was the right man beyond the shadow of a doubt, but mentally 
he did. The note, however, appeared to suggest to his mind 
the very clew which he had so long and hopelessly searched for, 
but he knew that he would have to be cautious, for it was evi- 
dent that the man Coulter and the Chief of Police were on the 
best of terms. The more he thought of it the more it became 
apparent that Coulter was mixed up in the case. “ Who could 


154 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


have made such haste to denounce a brother workman to the 
authorities other than the man who was most interested himself 
in having him denounced? Was there not a trace of anxiety or 
of overdoing the thing in that note? he questioned himself. 
‘‘ Is it not also probable that he is the man who sent the anony- 
mous letter, with the twenty-dollar bill, to Edgcumb ? And 
had he a motive for committing this crime? he queried, 
further. “ Let^s see. Well, he seems to have stepped into 
the murdered man^s shoes very easily. I don^t know much 
about the position or the nature of the man, but we will 
not lose sight of this fact for awhile, as there is something 
very obvious about it.’^ He mused long and earnestly over the 
matter. He did not positively assert that Coulter was guilty, 
but he was suspicious, and, deeming it expedient to keep an 
eye on him, he engaged a room where he might have a con- 
venient point of observation. 

Later on, when the trial commenced, Jarmyn was an inter- 
ested attendant whenever his duties would permit. The bril- 
liant speeches of the lawyers had no attraction for him. In his 
original way of coining expressions, he would say: It^s only 

dolt^s-bane; it poisons the mind with prejudice, unseats the judg- 
ment, and sets it to vacillating like a weather-vane on a church- 
spire.^^ But to all the evidence he gave the closest attention, 
and when Coulter took the stand there was not a word, look, 
or movement which escaped him. He followed the cross-exami- 
nation with the keenest interest, and when Coulter had finished 
he found his suspicions still more deeply rooted. At last, when 
Humphrey Davids in his closing argument provoked the dignity 
of the court by saying, “ If I occupied the seat upon the bench 
and saw such a palpable conspiracy, I would discharge the 

prisoner and order the arrest of Jarmyn lowered his eyes 

to the floor and exclaimed, sottovoce: Amen ! well knowing 
whom the lawyer had in mind. 

Jarmyn also imagined that he saw a collusion between the 
principal witnesses for the prosecution; Coulter, Pintard and 
Louis Carroll. When the latter testified, the falsity of the evi- 
dence appeared to him as transparent as a fabric of gauze. 
There was something clumsy, awkward and far-fetched, to his 
practical eye, which looked like a connivance, As she (Chloe) 


JAUMYl^. 


155 


left the room, Jarmyn followed her, determined to sift the 
matter, hut he was cunningly foiled, for she stepped into a car- 
riage which stood in waiting, and was rapidly driven away. 
Then commenced a systematic search for the driver of the 
vehicle, but he never succeeded in finding him. Not being able 
to trace this witness, he then turned his attention to Kye, in a 
futile attempt to discover his whereabouts. 

After the tragic ending of the trial which resulted in Edg- 
cumb’s escape, Jarmyn was summoned immediately into the 
presence of his chief for consultation. He was peremptorily 
instructed to locate Edgcumb^s family, and to bring in the de- 
linquent, dead or alive. Although he had many misgivings as 
to the justness of the verdict, yet his duty was imperative. He 
was an agent of the law, and it had declared Edgcumb guilty. 
There was no alternative but to keep faith with the law and to 
execute its decrees, for Jarmyn had such an honorable regard 
for the duties devolving upon him that had the fugitive been his 
own brother he would have delivered him to the authorities 
could he have laid hands upon him, and in doing so would have 
said: “I am an officer; an officer can have no choice; the 
law claims him and I must obey; here my responsibility ends.^' 
It was a matter of some difficulty to locate the lodgings of this 
unfortunate family, but Jarmyn knew just how to proceed. In 
the afternoon of the following day he appeared before his chief 
with the desired information, but was told that it was too late 
as Edgcumb^s clothes had just been brought in with a note 
attached addressed to his wife; that he had ended the matter 
by throwing himself into the lake. 

What do you think of it? queried the Chief, as he tossed 
the farewell note to Jarmyn for an opinion. 

“ It is about an even guess that he has, and that he hasn’t, 
the latter replied, upon reading it. 

Quite probable that he has,” suggested the Chief; that 
note sounds like the pitiful squeak of a rat in the terrier’s jaws. 
He knew that he had to die, but he wanted to cheat something 
or somebody; and, finding that he could not cheat the jury, he 
concluded to cheat the gallows. ” 

Jarmyn was silent after the Chief had delivered himself of his 
convictions. He was weighing in his mind the probabilities of 


156 


THE DUKE OF AUCANUM, 


the matter, whether Edgcumh had, in reality, destroyed himself, 
or whether he had adopted this as a ruse to elude the police. 
The Chief w^aited, iudifferently, for the detective's reply ; finally 
it came: “ I don’t believe that Edgcumh is dead any more than 
I believe him guilty of murder. ” 

The Chief looked very much surprised. Jarmyn, I don’t 
understand you,” he said; what shall I infer from your 
remark ? ” 

''That Jarmyn thinks he is neither dead nor guilty,” the 
detective calmly replied, looking steadily at the Chief with his 
keen gray eyes. 

" Jarmyn, I have always considered you a man of most excel- 
lent judgment, but I confess that I am greatly surprised by your 
declaration. How long have you held such an opinion ? ” 

" Never had any other, sir.” 

" It is strange that I have never known it before.” 

" Not necessarily; we have never talked much upon the sub- 
ject, and I had nothing to do with the case . Why should I intrude 
my opinion when I knew that you held a contrary one?” 

" Yes ; and I still stick to it.” 

" Well, you may be right and I wrong.” 

" I think that is about the size of it, Jarmyn; but tell me 
what theory you hold, and, in your opinion, who killed Mancel 
Tewkes if Edgcumh did not?” 

" I am not prepared to say. I never charge any one with a 
crime when I cannot substantiate it with an abundance of proof. ” 

" But you may have an opinion nevertheless.” 

" Possibly, but none to offer.” 

The Chief of Police frowned as he saw how determined Jar- 
myn was to evade his questions; but he knew his sterling worth 
and peculiarities, and he did not deem it prudent to reprimand 
him. "Pll let him alone,” he thouglit, " and if there is any 
game abroad he’ll surely come home with it in his mouth. But 
he could not comprehend how Jarmyn could entertain such 
ideas; they were so totally at variance with his own. 

‘' Now, Jarmyn,” returned the Chief, " the question before us 
is whether Edgcumh has destroyed himself or not. I am 
inclined to think that ho has, but you hold a different opinion. 
There are the identical clothes that he wore — even to the hat, 


JABMYN. 


157 


you see. A man could not go very far in a large city like this, 
divested of hat and clothing, without being noticed. It is not 
probable that he would have gone directly home, as he had no 
means of knowing that we were ignorant of the location. 

Very true ; but he may have friends who would harbor him, 
and, besides, there is one great fact wanting — a cause, or a 
motive for his self-destruction. A deduction of facts a priori is 
as necessary to the success of a detective’s work as to the scien- 
tific theorist’s. Every man’s acts are impelled by some motive, 
and he who fails to grasp this idea in his search for the mysteri- 
ous will only grope like a blind man without hope of ever seeing 
a ray of light ahead. ” 

But in our affairs we are frequently forced to jump at con- 
clusions. ” 

“ Yes; and illusions, too. V^e often think we have caught a 
’possum when it turns out to be a skunk. No, sir, Edgcumb is 
not dead, depend upon it. He had no cause to commit suicide. 
It is well enough to let the public think so, and to let it be un- 
derstood that you think so yourself; it will render his apprehen- 
sion all the easier.” 

“ Well, Jarmyn, for once we differ. Nevertheless we will take 
the necessary precautions to capture him if he is yet alive. I 
will send some men to search the house and keep watch of the 
locality. You can proceed to the spot where these garments 
were found and make an examination of the surroundings. I 
will have the officer who brought them in accompany you. 
I think he mentioned that it was near a large brewery; at any 
rate you will have no trouble in finding the place under his 
guidance.” 

As Jarmyn nodded assent there came a sound of laughter from 
an adjoining room. 

“ Let’s see what’s the racket,” said the Chief, motioning Jar- 
myn to follow; and the two men passed into the room from 
whence the sound had come. 

Ha, ha, ha,” again rang out a chorus of voices as they 
entered. 

He floundered about in the dark and yelled like a Sioux 
Indian, ” were the first words which fell upon their ears, and 


158 THE BURE OF ARCANUM. 

which were spoken by a man with a blue coat and brass 
bottons. 

‘‘ It must be something very entertaining, said the Chief. 

What is it all about ? 

“Officer Mulligaffis bath/^ answered several voices, simul- 
taneously. 

“ Let’s have the story,” demanded the Chief. 

The story, which was then retold for the benefit of the Chief 
of Police, was listened to attentively by Jarmyn. It proved to 
be the experience of the two officers in following Grit McGuire, 
which resulted in Officer Mulligan being thrown into the river, 
and of his rescue from his perilous situation. The Chief seemed 
very much amused over the affair, but Jarmyn appeared to be 
anxious for the details. He wanted to know where they had 
last seen McGuire, over what route the chase was made, and 
a description of his person, as near as possible. 

The officer gave the desired information, adding incidentally 
that the man carried something in his arms which he could not 
make out. “ He had probably been up to his old tricks --had 
burglarized a house and was making off with the plunder.” 

“ Probably,” said the detective, as he swung open the outer 
door to take his departure ; but it was an empty remark, without 
a mental acquiescence. 

As he proceeded on his way, Jarmyn’s mind seemed to be occu- 
pied with the adventure just related. “ It may have been Edg- 
cumb after all,” he soliloquized, “there’s no telling what 
cunning schemes will enter a man’s head while being pursued 
by an officer. He had evidently secured a change of clothing 
somewhere, and was making for the lake with the purpose of 
leaving the old ones where they would be found. From the 
moment he was first seen and followed, he kept his course 
steadily toward the lake; that is one support to the theory. 
Then had it been Grit McGuire, as they say, he would never 
have shouted his name in such a manner. No; Grit McGuire 
is an old offender and as cunning as a fox. He knows better 
than to do such a thing. He would much rather the police 
would think him a thousand miles away; but they are too 
stupid to see through all this. I’ll keep my ideas to myself. 
Time will show whether I am right or wrong. ” 


JABMYN. 


159 


At length they reached the brewery where Edgcnmb was at 
work. As they came to the arcade the officer st()i)pcd, and 
looking through into the busy establishment, said to Jarmyn : 
“Wait a moment; I want to find the lad who gave me the 
clothes and have him show me where he found them.’^ 

Just as the officer was about to turn into the arcade, a boy 
came out of the office and gave a shrill whistle, a signal to the 
foreman that he was wanted within. 

“ There he is now; Til call him,^^ said the officer. He did so. 
Upon approaching he questioned him : “ Where did you find 
that bundle which you turned over to me this morning; down 
near the lake, eh ? 

“ Yes, sir, on the beach near the water. 

“ That’s near enough for all purposes. Then, show this gen- 
tleman the place, and whenever you get arrested for going in 
swimming send for me and Til help you out.” 

The youth smiled and led the way. Under his guidance Jar- 
myn soon reached the spot where the bundle was found, and 
made an examination of the locality. He saw footprints in the 
sand leading from the spot where the clothing was found to the 
water’s edge. They were peculiar footprints, and indicated that 
the right shoe was run over at the heel. He then searched for 
traces of returning footprints up and down the beach, but none 
were to be seen. He knew that Edgcumb had either climbed 
the breakwater and leaped into the lake or had crept along over 
the rough stone to a small pier some distance above. But upon 
searching in the vicinity of the pier for footprints he found none 
similar to those which were characterized by the ill-shaped heel, 
and he was in consequence greatly perplexed. After some 
deliberation he turned to the youth and asked : “ What time 
did you find the clothes on the beach f ” 

“ ’Long ’bout ten o’clock, I think, sir.” 

“ What were you doing here? ” 

“ Well, I was takin’ alook at the lake to see how’twould seem 
to be tossin’ round all night on a plank like the feller who was 
washed overboard last night. ” 

“ Who was that ? ” inquired Jarmyn, his eyes kindling with 
curiosity. 

“ The feller who came into the brewery this morning and said 


160 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


he was blown from a ship last night in the storm. He hadn’t 
any hat, and we gave him one. I took a likin’ to him, he looked 
so kind of friendless. ” 

Was he wet*? ” asked the detective. 

He had been, but he was nearly dried out.” 

“ Did he wear a coat and vest? ” 

“Yes, dark ones.” 

“ Smooth-faced man? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Dark hair ? ” 

“ I think it was brown.” 

“ Very long — nearly down to his shoulders ? ” 

“ No, sir ; ’twas cut close to his head.” 

Here Jarmyn seemed to stumble again ; but he argued: “ It 
tallies pretty well — all except the short hair.” 

“ Who did he say he was? ” again asked Jarmyn. 

“ A sailor, but he didn’t give any name.” 

“ Where was he bound for? ” 

“ Buffalo, I think he said.” 

“ And the name of the vessel, did he mention it ? ” 

“ The Pelican, a three-master, he said.” 

They were now returning to the brewery and had just reached 
the eastern wall. Jarmyn had walked with his eyes cast upon 
the ground, thinking intently and endeavoring to trace some 
resemblance between the sailor and the condemned man. At 
the corner of the brewery, a few inches from the walk, some 
tracks in the sand attracted his attention and he stopped to 
examine them. The lad continued his course and entered the 
brewery. One of these footprints was much more distinct than 
the rest, and Jarmyn, upon scrutinizing it carefully, discovered 
a striking similarity to those which he had seen on the beach. 
It was the mark of* the right shoe, bearing the imprint of the 
ill-shaped heel. To avoid the possibility of an error he returned 
to the beach and took a measurement of one of the footprints 
and made a comparison. There could be no mistake, they were 
both made by the same foot. 

This footprint pointed in the direction of the eastern wing, 
and, thinking it possible that he might discover still further 
traces, Jarmyn walked along by the wall toward the rubbish 


JAUMYN 


161 


heap iu the angle. lie was right, for here and there the same 
footprints were occasionally seen. The great tub being the 
most conspicuous object, he naturally approached it first. As 
he stood before it he again saw the mark of the overturned heel. 
Then, inspecting the interior, he became convinced that some 
one had used it for a shelter, for his investigations revealed the 
presence of bread crumbs. There was something else — what 
was it? A button? He stooped and picked it up. Yes, a button, 
evidently from a vest. He placed it in his pocket, for detect- 
ives always prize small matters — such as appear insignificant 
to other people, and Jarmyn was no exception to the rule in 
that respect. 

Jarmyn turned back toward the walk. His thoughts had 
been so intently occupied with these new traces of the fugitive 
that he bad not missed the boy. For the third time he went to 
the beach and searched diligently for returning footprints. 
Darkness there overtaking him, he bent his steps upon another 
errand. 

The discovery of the first footprint by the brewery alone 
saved Edgcumb from occupying his old cell in the prison before 
sunset that evening, for the conversation with the youth, which 
would inevitably have led to his detection, was interrupted. In 
truth Jarmyn did not suspect that the delinquent was so nearly 
within his grasp; that only a wall separated them. Shrewd 
as he was he did not for a moment suppose that Edgcumb had 
remained so near the scene of his strategic manoeuver. He 
assumed that he had gleaned from the youth all the information 
possible concerning him. There existed no doubt in his mind 
but that he was still among the living ; that he had regained the 
shore by the breakwater and pier, and, having spent the night 
in the tub, had entered the brewery in the morning. There was 
some room for doubt as to the latter part of the supposition, but 
he would settle that by an examination of the marine departures 
of the previous evening. The examination was made, but the 
records did not show the existence of such a craft as the Pelican, 
and this settled his convictions. It had demonstrated that his 
theory was correct in regard to the suicide, but he resolved to 
keep its results to himself. He had obtained something of a 
clew to work upon, and he knew that he could accomplish more 


IX 


162 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


by maintaining a rigid secrecy of both his ideas and purposes 
than by permitting others to participate in the pursuit. 

'' Well, Jarmyn, have you modified your views of the Edgcumb 
matter ? asked the Chief of Police as his subordinate presented 
himself. 

Not materially ; you know that I am rather headstrong 
sometimes. 

“ I am quite well aware of that fact, but let us hear what you 
have discovered in connection with the suicide of Edgcumb ! 

“ I saw footprints in the sand. 

Were they Edgcumb^s? 

'' Undoubtedly, as they led directly into the water from the 
spot where the bundle is purported to have been found. 

Did you see anything else ? 

“ Yes; as I stood there looking at the footprints I saw a body 
a little beyond. 

“ A body ! exclaimed the Chief with much surprise. “ It 
must have be6n Edgcumb's. Did you secure it f 

“No; I did not disturb it.^^ 

“ Was it clothed ? 

“ No; it was naked ; nude as Nature made it.’’ 

“ Then it was Edgcumb’s beyond a doubt, ” the Chief asserted, 
with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. 

“No; I think not,” replied Jarmyn, with a mischievous 
twinkle in his eye, “ it was a body of water — the lake, I mean.” 

The Chief saw that he had been taken in, but he was of that 
disposition which relishes a joke, and he especially relished one 
coming from Jarmyn, who was usually so sedate, and who 
apparently had not a grain of humor in his nature. 

“Satisfaction, Jarmyn; immediate satisfaction I say,” de- 
manded the Chief of Police facetiously. 

“ All right; let’s ticker then,” Jarmyn replied; and they did 
at a neighboring bar-room. 

Keturning to the subject of his investigations a little later, 
Jarmyn said: “ But seriously, Mr. Chief, I discovered the foot- 
prints of the runaway in the sand. I traced them into the water, 
and examined the beach up and down for a long distance, but I 
could not discover any signs of his having returned to the shore. 
Edgcumb undoubtedly climbed upon the breakwater and did 


JABMYN. 


163 


one of two things — plunged into the lake, or crept along the 
breakwater to the pier and escaped. You can take your 
choice. 

“ Yes; but it seems to me in the latter case that he put him- 
self to unnecessary trouble. A man bent on escape would make 
all haste possible to get out of the way, and would not bother 
his brains about swimming to a breakwater, and groping along 
over a lot of rough stone, as would have been necessary. No, 
sir; I think the man was fully convinced that he could not 
escape the vigilance of our officers, and only wished to escape 
death on the scaffold by a less dreadful one by drowning. 

“ It may be so,^^ observed Jarmyn, in a musing and seemingly 
acquiescent manner. 

“ And I believe, sir, that you are more or less inclined to think 
so yourself,’^ added the Chief. 

But Jarmyn was silent. 

Jarmyn surmised that it would be quite likely that Edgcumb 
would return to the tub to spend the night again ; so, upon tak- 
ing his leave of the Chief of Police, he repaired thither and 
crept quietly into it, intending, should he appear, to spring upon 
him unawares and make him his prisoner. He had been there, 
perhaps, an hour, when suddenly he heard the sound of 
approaching footsteps. Momentarily he expected to see the 
figure of a man before him, and, in an attitude of assault, he 
prepared to seize him, but it proved to be only the watchman 
making his usual rounds, who was proceeding toward the south- 
ern end of the building. Waiting until nearly midnight, and 
seeing nothing of the fugitive, he took his departure and 
returned, somewhat disappointed, to his room. 

On the following morning Jarmyn took the bundle, with Edg- 
cumb^s note, and rapped at Imogens door, where he gained a 
ready admission. Throwing the bundle on a chair he produced 
the note, and asked her if she knew the handwriting. Imogen 
burst into tears upon reading it. She had been under such a 
strain of anxiety and wretchedness so long that it needed but a 
simple touch to loosen the flood-gates of her soul. Between her 
sobs she told Jarmyn that it was her husbanffis writing, and 
identified the clothing which he had worn so long in prison. 
Hardened as he was by the nature of his calling, he was not a 


164 


THE DUKE OF AEGANUM. 


little unmanned at the sight of this young wife, whose intelli- 
gence and refinement were visible through her wretched garh 
and miserable surroundings. To him those tears were the evi- 
dence of a heart throbbing with convulsions of sorrow over the 
loss of her husband. For once he miscalculated ; the tears were 
genuine enough ; her grief was poignant ; but he misinterpreted 
the sentiments which prompted them. He finally left her, con- 
vinced that Edgcumb had not been there, but none the less dis- 
posed to believe that he was still alive, and would ultimately 
fall into his hands. 


CHAPTER XIIL 


A STKAI^GE VISITOR. 

One evening; shortly after dark, about a week after the ver- 
dict, Humphrey Davids was seated alone in his office, at work 
upon a case of great importance which was to commence on the 
following day. He had just laid down a volume of law through 
which he had been searching for some particular authority, and 
had approached a bookcase standing against the wall opposite the 
door, when a slight noise behind him attracted his attention. 
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that he was not alone as he 
supposed, for a stranger had stepped through the open door 
unperceived and stood just within the threshold. The shaded 
light upon the desk did not give sufficient illumination to the 
room to enable him to recognize the visitor at once, even had he 
been familiar with his face. A closer inspection showed him to 
be a person with long, flaxen hair, a light, scraggy beard, and, 
from what he could descry beneath the soft-felt hat, which was 
drawn well down over his eyes, evidently one whose features 
were unfamiliar. 

As the lawyer turned toward him with an inquiring glance, 
the man spoke : Have I the honor of addressing Mr. Davids — 
Humphrey Davids ? 

“ That is my name, sir; what can I do for you ? 

“ I believe you conducted the defense in the Edgcumb trial 
a few days since, did you not f inquired the stranger. 

‘‘ I did, and a most unfortunate ending it had all around. 
The action of a jury is sometimes unaccountable, and the ver- 
dict against Edgcumb was a terrible wrong to an innocent man. 
I had fully counted on an aequittal. Then the death of the 
State’s Attorney and subsequent events have all conspired to 
make it the most lamentable affair which has ever occurred in 
the courts of this city.” 

165 


166 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


Pardon me, but may I ask what subsequent events you refer 
to? 

‘‘ To the suicide of the condemned man after his escape. 

Do you really think that Edgcumb has made away with 
himself? 

No doubt, sir, exists in my mind of that fact. I knew him 
so well I cannot, even as unfortunate as it seems, help but 
believe it. Edgcumb had not talked, thought or dreamed of 
anything but an acquittal. The consciousness of innocence 
was of such monstrous magnitude in his eyes that it over- 
shadowed all thoughts of a conviction ; and when the verdict 
came, and the attending circumstances with it, which offered a 
more honorable fate to him than the end of a rope, he seized the 
opportunity. Those farewell words, penciled upon a piece of 
coarse paper to the wife whom he loved so fondly, tell the 
story. A man will sometimes commit an inconsiderate act when 
laboring under strong excitement. He is moved by the first 
impulse which seizes him, and acts heedless of consequences. 
Edgcumb was overwhelmed by the result of the trial. His brain 
whirled with excitement and disappointment. There was a 
scene of momentary confusion in the courtroom, and the idea 
occurred to him at that critical moment to save his family from 
the shame of his ignominious death upon the scaffold. The 
shackles fell from his feet, sir, but the cold and merciless waters 
of the lake closed over his head forever. 

Then you do not admit that his flight or suicide was a vir- 
tual confession of guilt ? 

By no means, sir; but I do say that life is a precious thing 
to most of us. Had Edgcumb been guilty of murder he would 
never have taken such a course. The man who can commit 
such a deed does not possess those magnificent qualities of heart 
which prompts him to take his own life to save the honor of his 
family. The real criminal hopes against hope and fights against 
fate — avails himself of every quibble known to the law, and 
never gives up until he feels the halter draw and the trap sink 
beneath him.^^ 

''That sounds very logical, quietly remarked the stranger. 
Then adding, after a moment^s pause, " My questions may seem 
strange to you, but I am deeply interested in Edgcumb^s fate. 


A STBANGE VTSITOB. 


167 


So I perceive. Did you know him personally 
None knew him better, none more favorably. 

Indeed ! May I ask your name? 

I have an assortment, sir, like a man with many changes of 
raiment. I have one for each occasion. 

“ A detective, eh?^^ 

No ; hut I have some fear of being detected. 

“ By what name then were you known to Edgcumh 
LTy true one, of course; Kye — yi — yi (laughingly) James. 
James! Ha, ha! Very distinguishing. I. suppose he called 
you Jim, said the lawyer, catching only the given name. 

No; he called me Kye.^^ 

What, James Kye, do you say 
Precisely; have you heard of me before? 

Often, very often, from Edgcumh, but your appearance does 
not correspond with his description of you.^’ 

For the reason that I am disguised. I should not have 
dared to venture out without being so.^^ 

But where have you been, and why did you desert Edgcumh 
at such a critical time 

There was no reply to the question. The visitor seemed to 
be meditating for a moment, and then the lawyer noticed 
strange and absurd expressions on his face, a vacancy in his 
eyes, and a movement of his lips. He had heard Edgcumh 
speak of these infirmities so often that they seemed familiar to 
him, now that he saw them with his own eyes, and he concluded 
that it must he unmistakably, James Kye. He remembered of 
having heard Edgcumb say that a mere touch upon the shoulder 
would arouse this strange person from his abstracted state, and 
he thought to try its efiect. He touched him, and lo ! there 
seemed to be a sudden awakening and realization, as Edgcumb 
had described. Brushing his eyes with his hand, the stranger 
asked: What was your question? I was thinking of poor 

Edgcumh?^’ 

“ I asked why you deserted him at such a critical time? 

I did not desert him; far from it. Some things occur from 
necessity; so did my disappearance, sir. The night that Pintard 
was brought to jail I received an anonymous notice to leave 
town that very night and not to return until after Edgcumb^s 


1C8 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


trial was over. I knew wliat it meant and where it came from, 
and I acted as any man would who values bis life.^^ 

From whom did it come? 

From Jack Coulter, beyond a doubt. 

This is terrible, terrible. Your evidence would have made 
Edgcumb a free man and have saved his life.^^ 

I am afraid not. Coulter is a shrewd worker; I know him 
too well. ’’ 

A d— d villain! exclaimed the lawyer, and I shall never 
rest until I bring him to justice. But answer me one question, 
if you will. Did you ever have a room-mate by the name of 
Louis Carroll, on Wells street? 

“ I never did.^^ 

“ Just as I supposed. 

Why do you ask?^^ 

Are you not informed , about the trial? 

On the general results. 

Oh, I see. Well, the state produced a witness purporting 
to be your room-mate. This witness identified the knife which 
was found in the body of the murdered man as one having 
belonged to you. They then attempted to prove by Pintard that 
he had admitted of having procured it from you. Not being 
able to produce your evidence I could not controvert this 
testimony, and it seemed to be the turning point of the trial. 
The Statens Attorney, in summing up the case, made this a 
strong and irresistible point against the defendant. 

Do you expect to cope successfully with the man who has 
such a talent for subterfuge? Coulter prepared that testimony 
himself, you may rest assured. 

And you expect to bring him to justice? 

I do ; it may take months, or even years, but I shall spare 
no pains to follow him. You, Kye, are the very man I want. 
Now that you have failed in your duty of saving Edgcumb, and ho 
is past saving, you should bend all your energies toward aiding 
the law in bringing retribution upon these villains. There is 
an important part for you to perform in this matter which will 
require a nicety of judgment, a close watchfulness and a prompt 
action at the right moment. I think you are capable of all, for 


A STBANGE VISITOB. 


169 


I really took you to be a detective at the first glance. There is 
no positive evidence at present against Coulter, but our suspi- 
cions are well founded. It will do for a beginning to work upon. 
Many remarkable cases have developed from even a smaller 
beginning than this. The handiwork of this villain can be 
traced all through this affair, from beginning to end. There 
were others in the crime also, but Coulter was the master spirit 
who did all the engineering and scheming. There is an under- 
standing between him and Pintard, which, if it can be disclosed, 
will reveal a vein of iniquity unparalleled in the police records 
of this city; of that I am satisfied, for Pintard is one of the 
wriggling monads in that cesspool of vice known as “ French 
Anne’s, where more crime is hatched than in any like place in 
all creation. What do you say ? ” 

You only echo the suspicions which I had formed long be- 
fore the trial commenced, and of which T was the first to speak 
to Edgcumb. It was on the night that Pintard was placed in 
the same cell with him and on which I received a warning mes- 
sage to leave. ” 

“Yes; he told me all of your suspicions, and it was that 
wliich first opened my eyes to the part that Coulter was playing, 
and caused me to watch him closely. Your disappearance gave 
Edgcumb much uneasiness, for the more he thought of your 
suggestions the more the truth began to dawn upon him. I 
myself, sir, scouted the idea when he first mentioned it, but 
refiection and observation since, and especially during the trial, 
have convinced me beyond a doubt of its truth. It is through 
your sagacity and keen perception that we owe whatever clew 
we may have; and it is to you I shall now look for some good 
work in obtaining the necessary evidence to convict them.” 

“ Trust it all to me ; have no fears for it whatever. It is that 
same matter which has brought me back to avenge the death 
of Stanley Edgcumb. It is that same errand which brings me 
here to-night. I will be the ferret and you the lawyer. I will 
accuse and you must convict. It maybe a long time before you 
see or hear from me again, for the fruit must bud, blossom and 
ripen before it can be plucked. It is in the bud at present^ 
merely a bud of promise,” 


170 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


Very well ; I hope it will come to fruition. Have you seen 
Coulter yet f 

“ No, I have not; but I expect to see him to-night. 

“ To-night? Ah, you have your plans already arranged then. 

“ Only for to-night. In a case like this, plans do not count 
for much ; they are liable to be upset at any time. 

'' Very true. Is there anything else which you wish to speak 
off asked the lawyer, glancing at his watch. 

Yes, and my time is somewhat pressing, too. I have still 
another matter which I would like to talk about. Have you 
calculated the chances of obtaining your fee in the Edgcumb 
case? 

“ Not at all, sir, since its unfortunate denouement. 

“ The fee would have been quite large had the case come to 
a successful issue, would it not? 

I would not have been hard upon him, I assure you. 

But in case Edgcumb had some means — say a house and 
lot for instance— what would have been your fee if you had 
cleared him? 

Ah, probably five hundred dollars. 

And equally as much if he had been hanged? 

Your question was not put in that way.’^ 

True enough; but you gave your time and professional 
services, and did all in your power in an earnest endeavor to 
save him. If you failed, it was from no lack of dut}^ on your 
part, and I cannot see why you should not be entitled to the 
same compensation in either case.^^ 

“ But I cannot see what your object is in these strange 
questions. It is useless to think of it ; Edgcumb left nothing 
at all. His family are sufl^ring the most abject poverty. I 
have been told that they are living in a miserable room with a 
bare floor and scarcely anything but some chairs and a bed, 
and with scanty raiment upon their persons. That would not 
seem encouraging for the collection of a fee, even if I felt so 
disposed; therefore I do not think anything about it. 

It will be all the greater surprise then when you get it, 
remarked the visitor with emphasis. 

''What do you mean?'' the lawyer asked, unable to com- 
preUepd those wofds, spoken so calmly and determinedly, 


A STEANGE VISITOE. 


171 


James Kye always keeps his word and he will see that the 
obligation of his friend is fully and honorably discharged. I 
constitute myself his executor and I shall pay in full, exactly 
as he would have done had he lived. 

Executor of what, pray ? 

Well, Edgcumb didn^t leave any estate, to he sure, but he 
left something with me — or rather gave it to me to keep in 
charge for him — which will make his family comfortable and 
pay your claim besides. For several years he has had in mind the 
invention of an automatic telegraph, or a system of rapid trans- 
mission which would increase the capacity of a wire many fold 
— the work being performed by automatic means rather than by 
skilled manipulation, as the present system requires — and by so 
doing cheapen the transmission of dispatches so that it might 
become available for the most trivial purposes of commerce and 
domestic communication. It will be a grand era, sir, when for 
a mere pittance, one can flash from city to city, from State to 
State, or from continent to continent much of the vast burden 
of thought which now travels through the mails. The rapid 
strides of civilization are constantly demanding new methods to 
meet exigencies continually arising, and the fertile brains of the 
inventors are daily furnishing the most astonishing results of 
their researches to keep pace with those demands, oftentimes 
anticipating far in advance of the march of civilization the 
necessities which are sure to arise in the course of time. Edg- 
cumb, sir, thought he saw in the rapid advance of the telegraph, 
and the practical use which is being made of it, a time not far 
distant when these progressive tendencies would reach such a 
point that the telegraph would become in efiect the nervous 
system of the world, responding by its throbs and pulsations to 
the minutest manifestations of thought, as the nerves of the 
human system respond to the most dehcate promptings of the 
brain. 

During his imprisonment, when time hung heavily upon him, 
he devoted much of it to deep thought and investigation in this 
direction. Few men were more conversant with the mysteries 
of electrical science than he. He had familiarized himself thor- 
oughly, root and branch, with all its various phenomena. He 
sat in his prison-cell reading by day and thinking by night. I, 


172 


THE EVKE OF AUGANUM. 


myself; carried him many hooks of rare scientific value with 
which to pursue his investigations. Well, the result was that he 
realized the dream of years, the ambition of his life, for he has 
invented a system which will soon cause a profound sensation. 
He drew all the diagrams and illustrations with a pen with such 
nicety and artistic perfection that they resemble plates of the 
finest steel engraving. The details and instructions are so com- 
plete that I myself could reproduce one with suitable tools and 
material. He wrote out all of the specifications and claims for 
a patent, and left no part unfinished. 

“ One evening, after he had completed this work, I stood be- 
fore the door of his cell conversing with him. I asked him what 
he proposed to do with such an important invention now that he 
felt assured of its success. He did not reply for some time, but, 
with a sad look, he placed his elbow on one of the iron bars and 
rested his head. Finally he said : ^ Well, Kye, I don’t know. 
Were I only out of this trouble, and a free man, I could better 
answer your question; but as it is everything is uncertain. My 
dear fellow, you have befriended me nobly and 1 feel that I can 
trust you. I could never have perfected this invention had it 
not been for the assistance which you have rendered me. I want 
you now to take these papers and guard them carefully. If I 
am finally released you can return them to me and I will share 
with you whatever profits may arise from it, but if I am con- 
victed’ here he stopped short. It seemed as if he could not 

proceed; but he finally continued, ^if I am convicted, then get 
some one to assist you financially, secure letters-patent and dis- 
pose of it to the best advantage possible, after which settle with 
my lawyer, whatever be his claims, and then divide the balance 
equally between my wife and yourself.’ Saying this he gave mo 
the papers and drawings. Here they are ; examine them for 
yourself; you can easily identify the handwriting, I am sure.” 

“ Well, well! ” exclaimed the lawyer, fairly speechless. I 
must admit that this is a great surprise.” Then, as he took 
the papers and unfolded them, he continued: “ Do you know, 
sir, although my acquaintance with Edgcumb was limited, yet I 
was most favorably impressed with the superiority of his mind 
from the first. He was really an uncommon person, and, during 
the progress of your story, many little instances and conversa- 


A STBAJsrai: visitor 


173 


tions with him were recalled to mind impressively, which, per- 
haps, otherwise would never have occurred to me again. Poor 
fellow! Would that he could have lived to reap the benefits of 
his genius. I can now, more readily than ever, see a potent 
cause for self-destruction after the jury’s verdict, for, with these 
new aspirations and dreams of a brilliant future, the disappoint- 
ment was correspondingly greater. He became utterly crushed 
by it, and madly yielded to the first impulse which seized him.^^ 

“ Yes, T think you are quite right, Mr. Davids. It is a chari- 
table view to take of the matter, at any rate, and, in all proba- 
bilitj", the correct one. But do you recognize the writing"? 

Most assuredly, sir; none but Stanley Edgcumb could write 
such a beautiful hand. You think, then, the invention will 
prove successful, do you? 

“ Beyond a doubt, and I will convince you of it at once. 
Here are the diagrams and descriptions; see for yourself what 
no one else has yet seen, and be convinced. I know you are a 
lawyer, and not an electrician ; but let me show you through 
this matter, which, by long conversations with Edgcumb and 
many hours of deep study, I have mastered completely. I have 
become so thoroughly imbued with his ideas and purposes that 
it seems as if this were the fruition of my own thoughts. 

The lawyer took the plans and looked at them in amazement. 
He had never seen anything before so nicely executed, so finely 
traced and so perfectly described. They were beautiful to look 
upon, but they were as unintelligible to him as the hieroglyphics 
of the Aztecs. His visitor, however, was not long in relieving 
his ignorance, for by simplifying the scientific terms and tracing 
the dotted lines with the point of a steel pen, and explaining the 
electrical conditions and the principles therein applied, he soon 
had the lawyer so interested in the minutia and details of the 
invention that he really felt an uncontrollable desire to pene- 
trate still farther into the mysteries of the wonderful art. He 
became so absorbed in the examination of the papers that he 
entirely forgot the cause of his client, in whose interests he had 
been preparing himself for the legal struggles of the morrow 
when disturbed by the stranger^s entrance. 

“These plans are so well executed and so comprehensive, 
said Humphrey Davids, “ that I can almost fancy how it would 


174 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


appear with all its varied mechanism when at work. What a 
marvel of ingenuity in the arrangement of all those little wheels 
and coils ! And that wheel; you say, by the helix of the magnet 
will make sixteen hundred revolutions a minute when the lever 
is turned? Incredible ! One can scarcely believe it. But how 
does he arrive at the facts upon paper, never having tried the 
thing? 

“ Oh, by scientific calculation^which are as infallible as those 
of the astronomer. 

‘‘Wonderful! Edgcumb had a great head; there’s no mis- 
take about it. Do you need any assistance in the perfection of 
this invention ? ’’ 

“ You mean in the construction of a model?” 

“ Yes ; I should have said as much. ” 

“ WeU, it’s a difiicult matter to perfect and put before the 
world an invention such as this without financial assistance. 
Yes; I do need aid in the matter. I am poor myself, and I have 
been out of employment for some time. Edgcumb particularly 
desired that I should carry out his ideas, and it is proper that I 
alone should undertake it. You have money, and I have the 
ability to do the work. Nothing then ought to prevent success. ” 

“ Brains, brawn and lucre 1 That would seem to be an irresisti- 
ble combination. Well, go ahead; but don’t lose sight of that 
fellow Coulter, for I consider your duty in that respect para- 
mount to all others; it must not be neglected.” 

“ By no means, sir; I owe that man a deeper grudge than you 
surmise.” 

The lawyer opened a drawer of his desk, and, taking out a 
check-book, filled out a check for a sum of money, payable to 
bearer, and presented it to his colloquist, saying: “My best 
wishes for your success. You have my utmost confidence, 
inspired by your charitable friendship for Edgcumb. He has 
told me many of your good deeds. Do what you can, and I will 
be a friend to aid you in your struggle. Here is a small sum to 
begin with.” He then glanced at his watch ; it was nearly mid- 
night; and, turning again to the legal duties before him, he ter- 
minated the interview with a wave of the hand and a pleasant 
good-night. 


f • • f 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE SPECTEK. 

It is not to be supposed that the reader will think for a 
moment that it was James Kye who entered the lawyer’s office 
and interviewed him with such flattering results. There is no 
doubt but that Edgcumb could have accomplished his purpose 
even more readily than he did had he revealed himself to the 
lawyer in his own proper personality, instead of assuming the 
name and character of his friend; but he had an ulterior pur- 
pose in thus masquerading in the guise of another, which will 
appear farther along in our narrative. 

Edgcumb had entered Humphrey Davids’ office with much 
uncertainty as to the nature of the reception which would be 
accorded him, and rather disposed to believe that his disguise 
would be penetrated. He had endeavored to change his voice, 
and render it as unnatural as possible; and throughout the 
interview he maintained such a studied imitation of Eye’s char- 
acter that it would indeed have misled the most wary. Hum- 
phrey Davids had never seen Kye, and it was not a difficult 
matter for Edgcumb, knowing this, and considering his unusual 
mimetic powers, to impose upon him. It was a great satisfac- 
tion to know that his late counselor held him in such kind 
remembrance. It had been even difficult for him to refrain 
from unmasking himself and telling him all the incidents of his 
escape while listening to those eloquent tributes to his charac- 
ter, and upon seeing the anxiety displayed to bring the author 
of his troubles to justice. Once he was seized by so strong an 
impulse that . he was upon the point of undeceiving him, when 
discretion got the better of him, and he concluded to maintain 
his disguise until the proper time came to reveal himself. He 
felt that he had an imperative duty to perform — a twofold 
duty, which seemed to be almost a mission — and that God had 

175 


The duke of aecanvm. 


1?6 

miraculously opened the portals of his prison and spared his life 
that he might perform it. To do so successfully the gravest 
necessity required that he should keep the secret of his existence 
from all the world. The name of Stanley Edgcumb had been 
tarnished by the foul accusation of murder. It had been regis- 
tered as that of a felon, and the law had consigned it to infamy 
and disgrace. Until the time came when he could fully remove 
the odium, that name must be dead to the world, and the sooner 
it was forgotten by all the better it would be and the greater 
security it would aflbrd in the performance of his mission. 
That twofold duty, or mission, as he was pleased to call it, pre- 
sented a task of gigantic proportions to his eye. There were 
difficulties to surmount which rose before him like a Chinese 
wall, which could not be flanked, and which oflered an impassa- 
ble barrier in front. The first was the introduction of his inven- 
tion. It was not the perfection of the thing which troubled him, 
but that which would follow, for the trials of an inventor only 
begin with the perfection of his invention. It is the difficulty in 
securing a public recognition of even a most meritorious inven- 
tion which proves the formidable obstacle to success. How 
much more difficult, then, would it be for him, a fugitive, who 
dared not own his rightful name, forced to keep aloof from asso- 
ciations with men, reticent, cold and forbidding to the inquisi- 
tive; living entirely within himself, as it were? How difficult, 
indeed, would it be, without a tremendous risk to his life, to 
accomplish the results which he hoped for, and which he felt 
that his ingenuity well merited ? 

The second part of his mission was neither more nor less than 
the conviction of Coulter for the murder of Mancel Tewkes. 
With the success of both the measure of his happiness would 
be full and complete, for he could then claim his wife and chil- 
dren, and with the profits of his invention live an honorable 
and happy life. He fully understood that the attainment of 
these matters and the realization of such a desideratum were 
extremely improbable. It seemed like golden fruit, alluring, 
but so far from reach that it would require the wings of an 
Icarus to fly up to it. It could only be accomplished by an 
earnest effort, and this he had resolved upon putting forth. It 
was in furtherance of one of those duties, and to make a begin- 


THE SFEGTEE. 


17 ? 


ning in the struggle, that he had sought the lawyer^s office in 
disguise; now let us follow him and see what he does in further- 
ance of the other. 

As Edgcumh descended the three long flights of stairs and 
stepped upon the street, he observed by the large timepiece in a 
neighboring window that it was past twelve o^clock. Then, 
turning away, he muttered to himself those well-known lines: 

“Now is the witching hour of night, 

When churchyards yawn, and graves give o’er their dead.” 

And it may well be said that his errand was aptly suggestive 
of them. 

Since the night of his escape Stanley had had in mind a mid- 
night visit to Coulters room. lie had located it, examining all 
of its surroundings carefully, and had once or twice follow'ed him 
stealthily to his very door unobserved, to make sure that there 
was no mistake in the location. He had lain and watched for 
several nights in succession till a late hour to ascertain whether 
any one shared his apartments with him before attempting to 
penetrate its recesses. He had seen no one enter but Coulter 
until the night before, when a young woman approached the 
door, gave a slight signal, glanced nervously about and then 
disappeared within. A large coal-box which stood in the hall 
had adbrded him a place of concealment and a point of observa- 
tion. There was something peculiar about this person which 
impressed him and awakened a curious interest; something 
familiar in her walk, figure, and, especially, the upper part of 
her face. She did not wear the usual feminine tresses, but her 
hair was cut short in a masculine fashion, which rendered her 
somewhat conspicuous in consequence. His thoughts returned 
to the days before his imprisonment in a train of recollections, 
vainly endeavoring to brighten or renew the faded images which 
had left misty impressions upon his mind, but he could not re- 
call a likeness or a circumstance which w^as suggestive. There 
was merely an indefinable resemblance to some one, he knew 
not whom. Later in the night, how^ever, when he had returned 
to the tub, there was a marvelous transformation scene, and 
mysteriously and unexpectedly the face and form of the woman 
changed to that of Louis Carroll, the witness whose evidence had 
turned the scale against him at the trial. Can it be possible 


12 


178 


mE EUKE OF AECANUM. 

tbcy cii6 th© Sam©, and that that mysterious witn©ss was a 
woman in disguis© ? '' h© ask©d hims©lf ©xcitedly. H© rem©m- 
b©r©d now of noting c©rtain p©culiariti©s wh©n th© witn©ss took 
th© stand, and as th©s© incid©nts r©cuiT©d to him h© b©cam© 
fully convinc©d that h© had r©ally mad© an important discov©ry. 
A pang of r©gret follow©d this r©v©lation. “ Why had it not 
occurred to him at th© time that h© might have awaited her 
departure, and then have followed her to her retreat? He had 
missed an opportunity which might never occur again, for it 
was evident she had been an instrument in Coulter’s hands, 
and was the main support in the conspiracy against his life.” 
This incident acted as a powerful stimulant to urge him on in 
the pursuit of his enemy. All night he lay awake calculating 
upon the possibilities of again meeting that face ^ speculating 
upon the probabilities of her character, and where she might be 
found ^ whether she was a woman with a liaisoUj who passed 
under the guise of respectability, or a nymphe du pave. Natur- 
ally his first thoughts were of Madame Eenaud’s establishment, 
of whose interior and inmates Kye had given him such a graphic 
desciiption. She could not be one of those creatures whom he 
had described as reveling in filth and lewdness, greeting with 
a drunken leer or ribald jest all who entered the resort. She 
appeared to be something above those degraded creatures 
which constitute the very dregs of society, for she looked neat 
and Jaunty, without traces of dissipation or the bold oflensive- 
ness of the bawd. He could entertain no idea of finding her 
there, so he dismissed the thought from his mind ; but he re- 
solved to watch Coulter’s room whenever consistent with his 
own safety, with the hope that sooner or later he would see her 
again. 

Assured that Coulter had no companion to share his apart- 
ment regularly with him, Edgeumb left the lawyer’s office deter- 
mined to beard the lion in his den. A few minutes walk 
brought him to a large building on Wabash avenue, where the 
lair was located. Coulter’s apartments consisted of two rooms 
in the third story. Like many others in that section of the city, 
the building served a double purpose, being occupied as stores 
below and offices and sleeping apartments above. It was 
situated on a prominent corner and was so constructed as to be 


THE SPECTEB. 


179 


accessible from both streets. There was a large court extend- 
ing from the ground to the roof, which gave light to the inner 
rooms. In ascending a flight of stairs on the avenue front one 
would reach two halls, which crossed each other at right angles, 
one terminating at the court, where a large window looked out 
upon the whitewashed walls; the other traversing the four sides 
of the structure, in the form of a square. A similar hall also 
extended around upon the third floor, but none crossed it 
running to the court. It was directly over this short hall that 
Coulter^s rooms were situated, one being a bachelor^s parlor, the 
other his bedchamber, both having windows in the court, and 
both being plainly furnished, as ordinary bachelor apartments 
go. However, there was no lack of convivial concomitants, for 
the display of bottles with their assortment of liquors upon the 
mantel of his sitting-room would have done credit to an apothe- 
cary's shop. Cigars, pipes and cigarettes were scattered pro- 
miscuously among vulgar periodicals and sensational literature, 
cards, dice and poker-chips upon the table, which stood in the 
center of the room. An inveterate gambler, Coulter not only kept 
well supplied with the implements of the craft, but his rooms were 
also the resort of many of its gentry. Not infrequently, when a 
game was in progress, did daylight find them still sitting at the 
card table, amidst the fumes of tobacco and the odor of brandy, 
struggling for a mastery of the game, which usually fell to 
the host, for he generally maintained a cooler head, having 
more of an eye to the spoils than to the brandy or gin which 
stood temptingly near. 

These rooms were dark and undesirable, receiving light only 
from the court, but this was not objectionable, for those whose 
ways are dark conveniently seek places which are also shadowy. 
The sitting-room was located directly over the short hall, which 
terminated at the court, and the bedchamber adjoining was 
connected with it by fielding doors. 

Coulter had been at Madame Kenaud’s all the evening. He 
had gone there in response to a summons brought by Chloe the 
night before. The Frenchwoman had heard of Edgcumb^s 
escape and was apprehensive that trouble might ensue. Coul- 
ter, however, calmed her fears readily by informing her that 
Edgcumb had committed suicide after making his escape, and 


180 


THE DUKE OF AllCANUM. 


that they were as thoroughly rid of him as if the law had taken 
its coarse. He had talked with the Chief of Police, who had 
assured him that there was no doubt of it. Coulter honestly 
believed for once that which he sought to persuade another, for 
he fully accepted the theory of self-destruction. The situation 
was discussed, the woman deiuandiug an immediate disposal of 
the man whom she was harboring in the tunnel beneath the 
house, and insisting on disposing of him with a dose of poison. 
But Coulter objected, saying that after awhile, when the excite- 
ment and interest in the Edgcumb case had subsided, and 
people were beginning to forget about it, they could release 
him ; that Kye did not know who had held him in captivity, 
nor was he aware of the place of his confinement. He was a 
crank anyway, and people would only smile incredulously at his 
story. 

Madame Renaud had finally consented to allow the matter to 
rest for the present, and Coulter had returned to his room and 
retired, thinking of the problem which confronted him— the dis- 
posal of Kye. As he lay upon his bed, all the hideous acts of 
his career, from the day of Edgcumb^s dismissal to that of his 
suicide, including the murder, the plot and the abduction of 
Kye, fioated in a vivid panorama before him ; and, being tor- 
mented by them, rolled and tossed about uneasily from pillow 
to pillow trying to induce sleep, but it was nearly midnight 
ere he succumbed and the gruesome images of his thoughts 
faded away in approaching slumber. 

Entering the building from the avenue side, Edgcumb 
ascended to the second story and advanced noiselessly to the 
window at the end of the hall, terminating at the court. The 
night was dark, and as he looked out into the court nothing, 
not even the adjacent walls, could be distinguished. There 
were no lights glimmering in any of the windows, and every- 
thing was apparently wrapped in nocturnal quietude. At the 
foot of the staircase, leading to the floor above, a gas-jet was 
burning dimly. Glancing cautiously about, he walked to the 
angle of the halls, looked up and down their vistas, and per- 
ceiving no one he returned and quickly opened the window. 

This building, as usually the case, was provided with a light- 
ning-rod, which passed down the wall of the court, being secured 


THE SPECTER. 


l8l 


with non-conductive appliances. The rod passed down between 
the windows of Coulter^s sitting-room and bedchamber, but 
nearer the former, and within easy reach of the window in which 
Edgcumb stood. He had noticed this fact on a previous occa- 
sion and had decided upon using it as a means of reaching the 
window above. 

In the days before his imprisonment Edgcumb had been a 
clever gymnast. He could turn the giant swing upon the hori- 
zontal bar, or climb a rope hand over hand with all the ease of 
a professional athlete; and the experience then gained now 
stood him well in hand. The feat of climbing this rod, which 
to most men would have been a difficult one, was to him a com- 
paratively easy matter. 

Having assured himself beyond a doubt that he had not been 
observed, Edgcumb seized the lightning-rod, and a moment 
later stood upon the window-sill of Coulter^s room. As he 
expected, he found the window open, for the weather was still 
warm. Stealthily as a cat he crept in. Nothing could be dis- 
cerned in the gloom save a faint gleam of light, which seemed to 
come from an adjoining room, through the small crevice of a 
door slightly ajar. He had not been aware upon entering the 
place that Coulter occupied more than the one room in which 
he then stood; but he was soon undeceived, for moving with the 
greatest care, to avoid stumbling, he reached the door and 
peered through. A solitary gas-jet was burning low, shedding 
a dim light over the interior. Carefully opening the door, he 
stepped upon the threshold and paused to survey the scene 
before him. There was no mistake of his being in the right 
place, for there lay, the man who had wrecked his life, who had 
endeavored to corrupt his wife, and had heaped all the misery 
and disgrace upon him which is within the power of one man to 
inflict upon another. Yes, there he lay fast asleep, fully in his 
power at last. As he contemplated the face that lay apparently 
in tranquil repose, he wondered if it were, indeed, possible for a 
human being to plot such monstrous deviltry and yet be able to 
lie down at night and enjoy a peaceful rest. Then he felt all 
the hatred of his nature, all the malice and revenge — ay, even 
a murderous revenge — of his implacable spirit rise predomi- 
nant, rudely choking down the better qualities of his heart. 


182 


THE LUKE OF AECANUM. 


An evil voice seemed to whisper in his ear ; “ Murder him, 
kill him; no one ivill ever he the wiser for it. Do it now 
tvhile you have the opportunity. The horrible impulse seemed 
to be pushing him on. Blood, blood, blood! What strange 
and invidious thoughts! His features were distorted by a 
cruel; diabolical grin; his teeth were clenched, and he felt 
his sinews contracting. The same uncontrollable spasm of mad- 
ness which had seized him at the time when he x)ounced upon 
Mancel Tewkes now seemed to have possession of him. He 
glanced involuntarily around for some instrument with which to 
commit the deed, when by chance his eyes fell upon his image in 
a mirror on the opposite wall. He was momentarily startled by 
the strange vision, for he had not yet removed the disguise in 
which he had called upon the lawyer. It was a strange, 
unrecognizable, threatening, truculent demon, and the ugly 
apparition apparently confronted him. It had the effect to 
restore his senses, and then it dawned upon his mind in the 
same instant that it was his own image. This recalled other 
thoughts, such as the disguise, the interview, the invention, his 
family, and his hopes; then the question arose: What good 
can I accomplish by killing this man? I would then be a 
murderer in reality, and God would surely deliver me into the 
hands of the law to satisfy the sentence of death which is pend- 
ing against me. No, by committing this deed I would merely 
gratify a wicked desire for revenge, and in doing so would put 
myself beyond the possibility of future vindication. I must wait 
until I have hedged him round with a web of the most positive 
proof, then I can torture the hands by which he clings to his 
last support, and see him plunge headlong into the chasm of 
retribution. 

Edgeumb felt a sense of shame to think that he had thus 
given way to his passions, and had come so near perpetrating 
a horrible crime. He returned to the sitting-room again for a 
few minutes to calm himself, for it required a cool head and a 
steady nerve to execute the design which he had in contem- 
idation. In a few minutes, having sufficiently recovered him- 
self, he reentered the bedchamber, and without pause or hesi- 
tation stepped softly to the side the sleeper. The handle of a 
revolver was slightly protruding from beneath the pillow. 


THE SPECTEB. 


183 


Bending cautiously over he drew it out. He knew that in 
other days Coulter had possessed one, and he knew, further, 
that he was the man to use it in case of necessity, and he had 
prepared himself accordingly. Quickly unfastening the cylinder 
which contained the five leaden charges, he removed them 
and replaced them with blank cartridges, an assortment of which 
he had provided for the occasion. Thus, minus its death-deal- 
ing missiles, the weapon, which had been so formidable a few 
minutes before, had now become as harmless as a dog with its 
teeth extracted ; it could bark, but not bite. 

Replacing the pistol carefully under the pillow without dis- 
turbing the sleeper, Edgcumb’s next step was to remove his dis- 
guise that he might appear again in his own proper personality. 
The wig and beard were placed in one pocket, while his soft hat 
was crushed and thrust into another. Then taking the bed- 
sheet which had been thrown aside on account of the heat, he 
enveloped himself from his shoulders down. Next the gas was 
turned up sufficiently to distinguish objects clearly, and all was 
ready for the manifestations. 

A figure in white, moving among the dim shadows of one^s 
chamber would be likely to prove a most trying ordeal for the 
strongest of nerves, even though the consciousness of guilt did 
not oppress the beholder of the apparition. Let us see how this 
man, who had always been so cool and imperturbable under all 
circumstances, now beha ved under the maneuvers of this spec- 
ter of his bedchamber. 

Advancing to the bedside and bending over the form of the 
sleeper, Edgcumb gave him a sharp slap in the face, simul- 
taneously uttering a coarse, gutteral, croaking laugh, and 
retreating to the foot of the bed. His left hand clutched the 
folds of the white drapery, and his right, protruding slightly, 
was raised, with the index finger pointing toward Coulter, in an 
attitude of loathing, contempt and rebuke. Startled from his 
sleep by this sudden and unexpected demonstration. Coulter 
bolted upright in his bed. He saw the figure in white, he heard 
the weird and taunting laugh, but he could not believe his 
senses. It seemed like an ugly nightmare. Rubbing his eyes 
he looked again, but there the figure stood, still pointing at 
bini; as motioplesKS as a statue, without uttering a word. Of all 


184 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


moments in bis life it was the most trying, and his self-posses- 
sion deserted him completely. He seemed to be at a loss to 
know what to do, without the power of speech or action — look- 
ing first at the shrouded form and then at the door, as if about 
to leap from the bed and fly from the chamber. This helpless, 
irresolute state, however, was slightly overcome as he thought 
of his revolver, and seizing it he demanded, in a tremulous 
voice, “ Who are you that dares to enter my room in a manner 
like this ? Speak, I say ! 

One whom you sent to an untimely death by your persecu- 
tions. I am your victim, Stanley Edgcumb, doomed to linger 
for a time in this unquiet state, putting on a semblance of mor- 
tality, now and then, to haunt your presence and render your 
existence miserable; to remind you that the tortures of hell 
await you. Your days are numbered, and your fate will be a 
more tragic one than mine. You are the murderer of Mancel 
Tewlces! 

These words, being spoken in a low, sepuchral tone, were very 
impressive. As Coulter heard the last sentence, which was pro- 
nounced with great emphasis and in sibilant tones, a deathly 
pallor seized him, and he was nearly overcome with fright. In 
the next instant, however, he raised his pistol, and, bending for- 
ward, pointed it full at the breast of the specter. Bang — bang 
— bang — bang — bang came five shots in rapid succession ; but 
as the smoke cleared away, there stood the figure immovable, 
still pointing a finger at him, the face as calm and undisturbed 
as if it were unconscious that a shot had been fired. The most 
abject state of terror now followed. Utterly bereft of all reason- 
ing power by the excitement, and guided only by the instinct 
of self-preservation. Coulter threw the pistol upon the floor, 
leaped from the bed, and with hair erect, like the quills of the 
porcupine, fled from the chamber into the hall, and darted for 
the stairs leading to the floor below. Edgcumb was quick to 
take advantage, and springing through the sitting-room he 
gained the window of the lower hall by sliding down the light- 
ning rod, and presented himself at the foot of the stairs, still 
wrapped in his ghostly mantle, in time to intercept Coulter, 
who had gone thrice the distance in his eflbrt to escape. As 
Coulter lifted his foot from the last step the specter confronted 








THE SPECTEB. 


185 


him with the finger of scorn, and the stigma of guilt: You 

murdered Mancel Teivlces.'^^ Ghastly white and cringing, he 
shrank from the terrible apparition, then, tottering, he fell to the 
floor in a swoon. 

Seeing that he had accomplished his purpose, Edgcumb now 
hastened to regain the room that he might leave the sheet 
where he had found it. Upon reaching it he quickly realized 
that he could not escape by the doorway, nor by descending to 
the lower hall again ; neither would it do to remain in the room, 
for by this time there was beginning to be a commotion in the 
hall, as many who had heard the shots were investigating the 
cause. The roof seemed to be the only avenue of escape, and 
thither he beat his retreat. As he seized the rod to make his 
ascent, he heard voices of persons behind him who had entered 
the open door in search of the cause of the disturbance. Later 
on when all had become quiet he made his escape by the same 
way in which he had made the ascent. 

Coulter was a badly frightened man, so much so indeed that 
after reviving from the faint into which he had fallen at the foot 
of the stairs he no longer cared to remain in his apartments, and 
going out upon the street he walked the rest of the night. There 
was no doubt in his mind but that Edgcumb was dead, and that 
his ghost had returned to haunt him. “ It surely could not have 
been a dream. No, it was a vivid reality. He had certainly seen 
an apparition, for an incarnate being could not have stood before 
the muzzle of his pistol and have received the five charges fired 
at his breast without being killed or injured. And yet his face 
appeared as tranquil and composed when the smoke had cleared 
away as if nothing had happened. How, too, could aught but a 
spirit have reached the foot of the stairs in advance of himf He 
had thought that when Edgcumb was out of the way his path 
would be smooth, but alas, it was becoming thorny enough, and 
trouble seemed to be in store for him. Would he be compelled 
to pass through another such a hideous night with the phantom 
of his victim? Such were the thoughts which pervaded his 
mind as he walked aimlessly along, working himself up into such 
a feverish state that he scarcely knew whither he wandered. 

To those who had found him where he had fallen and cariied 
him back to his room Coulter stated that his apartments had 


186 


THE DUKE OF ABCANTJM. 

been invaded by a burglar, at whom he had emptied his pistol 
and then fled; that in his hasty flight he had fallen down the 
stairs and struck with such force upon his head as to render him 
insensible for a time. But there seemed to be an air of mystery 
about the matter, for he was not inclined to talk much upon the 
subject, and, further, no bullet holes could be found anywhere 
in the room. It was the more intensified when it was observed 
the next morning that Coulter^s hair had turned gray during the 
night. It was also remarked later that he had never slept in 
the building after this incident, and that his effects had soon 
been removed to another part of the city. Then was it whis- 
pered about that there was a deeper mystery connected with 
that midnight disturbance than was generally suspected. 

There was one, however, who attached more significance to it 
than all the rest. He was less talkative than others, keeping 
his thoughts and conclusions to himself. He was the first to 
enter Coulter’s chamber, passing in as Edgcumb disappeared 
through the window. He was the first to pick up the smoking 
pistol, and the first to discover Coulter at the foot of the stairs. 
It was he who plied him with questions, and, failing to obtain 
satisfactory replies, scouted the story of burglary, lie also 
noted the fact of his non-appearance after that eventful night. 
It was Jarmyn, who occupied a room on the same floor and in 
close proximity to Coulter’s. As we have previously seen ho 
occupied it for the purpose of being as conveniently near the 
object of his suspicions as possible. By the tenants he was seen 
to come and go, but they did not appear to know his name or 
calling, for he seldom spoke to any one further than to pass the 
compliments of tlie day. The pistol shots had attracted him to 
Coulter’s room. “ Was Edgcumb there ” he mused, a few days 
later, having noted all the mysterious points about the afhiir. 
“ Did he go there with the purpose of revenge? If so, does it 
not confirm my suspicions of Coulter’s plot to destroy him? 
Did the sight of his enemy, at such an hour of the night, cause 
Coulter’s hair to turn gray? Is this why he will not talk on the 
subject? Has he moved away because he fears that, knowing 
how to obtain access, Edgcumb will come again ? And how did 
he obtain access ? ” 

Jarmyn’s practical eye could only be satisfied by an investiga** 


THE SPECTEB. 


187 


tion. Accordingly, he obtained the key and visited the vacant 
rooms upon the pretext of changing for them, if suitable. Then 
he carefully searched for bullet-marks, but found none. It’s 
strange,” said he. I distinctly heard five shots and found the 
pistol on the floor with the five chambers empty, yet there were 
no traces of a dead man, nor are. there any bullet-holes in the 
walls.” Then he went to the window and looked out into the 
court. While his eyes were wandering about they lighted upon 
a button lying upon the window-sill. It had a familiar look, 
and, taking it, he compared it with the one which he had found 
in the tub. They were alike. Ah, what good fortune is this ? 
Have I found a clew at last It ivas Edgcumb who came here ; 
I was right.” 

Leaning out of the window, Jai’myn discovered how access 
had been obtained to the room and why the button was lying 
there. It had burst from Edgcumb’s vest while climbing the 
rod. A further examination revealed scratches upon the white- 
washed wall made by climbing feet, while here and there bits of 
mortar which had protruded from the seams had been broken 
off. He was elated, and concluded not to change his room for 
those vacated by Coulter; they were a little too dark to he desir- 
ahle^ 


» t 


CHAPTER XV. 

THE HOSPITAL. 

Edgcttmb had again met with a narrow^ escape, almost within 
the first twenty-four hours of his freedom, for scarcely had 
Jarmyn left the tub than he appeared and took possession of it 
himself. He had finished his work on the malt floors, remained 
secluded awhile, and then had ventured out for something to 
eat. At a neighboring store he purchased a meager supply of 
biscuit, etc., and in a lonely spot he partook of his frugal meal 
with a relish, for he was nearly famished. When hunger was 
appeased he was ready to execute the plans w'hich he had 
formed during the day. A disguise of some kind was necessary, 
and in considering how to procure one, he remembered an old 
French perriiquiei* and costumer from whom he had occasionally 
procured articles for a masquerade. The costumer knew him 
by sight, but not by name. Thither he made his way, without 
accident or adventure, and procured the disguise in which, a 
few days later, he called upon Humphrey Davids. He next con- 
ceived the idea of entering Coulter’s room for the purpose of 
confirming in the latter’s mind the existing theory of suicide, 
and, thus decided, he started out to ascertain its location as 
previously described, mingling freely with the crowds, in fact 
seeking those streets where the throngs were greatest. He 
knew where Coulter’s room had once been situated, and his 
intentions were to first learn if they wxre still unchanged. 
Fortune seemed to favor him, for in passing the entrance of a 
theater, where a long line of men were standing impatient to 
reach the ticket-box, he recognized Coulter, standing in line 
with others waiting his turn. Lingering near, he saw the 
amusement seekers pouring in a steady stream into the bril- 
liantly illuminated foyer and auditorium. He saw Coulter 
purchase a ticket and also enter. The hatred and bitter feelings 

z88 


THE HOSPITAL. 


189 


wliich a view of that face aroused caused him to momentarily 
lose discretion, and he stood with his gaze riveted on the spot 
where he had disappeared ; nor did he become conscious of the 
danger of his position until he saw the gleam of an officer’s 
star almost within reach of his hand ; then he sought a safer 
place of observation. The rush was soon over, for the play 
had begun. Only now and then some belated person appeared. 
Then the place seemed quite deserted in front ; merely a few 
street gamins remained, who gamboled under the glaring lights 
like gnats and millers hovering around the flame of a candle. 

Edgcumb was undecided what to do, whether to remain in 
the vicinity until the play was over, taking his chances with 
the police, or to try and find Coulter some other time; but, con- 
cluding that the risk of a second attempt would be as great as 
the present one, he resolved to wait. It was fully eleven o’clock 
when the audience began to make their exit. He was quick to 
choose a position where he could scan the faces as they passed 
out. Coulter, however, was one of the last to leave, and Stan- 
ley was beginning to feel much chagrin, fearing that he had 
missed him, when he appeared. With some difficulty he man- 
aged to keep him in sight, for Coulter moved at a rapid pace, 
even on the crowded pavement, darting here and there ahead 
of the slowly moving pedestrians. He was not long, however, 
in gaining the desired information, and, having seen Coulter 
unlock the door of his room, he quietly withdrew. It was mid- 
night when he reached the tub. Jarmyn, wearied of waiting, 
had gone to seek his bed in the very building which Edgcumb 
had just left. They merely exchanged places with one another, 
unconsciously passing each other on the route. 

Edgcumb did not return to work in the brewery in the morn- 
ing. He felt that it would be imprudent to do so, yet he could 
not remain idle. Moreover, he wanted something to do to 
divert his thoughts from the impending danger of the situation. 
He could not endure the thought of lying idle, with so much 
time in which to think of his misfortunes. What to do or 
where to go he did not know. He was fearful lest at the first 
move he should walk into the jaws of Death, for to fall into the 
clutches of the law meant the fulfillment of the sentence pend- 
ing against him. To attempt to leave the city at such a time, 


190 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM, 


when the police, who, perhaps, scouted the idea of his suicide, 
were on the alert, he knew would be a foolhardy and venturesome 
step. He must wait, then, until they had ceased looking for him 
before attempting it. Surely he must have subsistence, and to 
obtain it he must have work ; to have work, he must make an 
effort to secure it. His success on the previous night in passing 
unmolested encouraged him to make the effort, but the most 
debatable question was where to seek employment. It occnrr('d 
to him that he might find it at the lumber-yard where he had 
taken refuge when so hotly pursued by the officers. It was an 
out-of-the-way place, where he would not be likely to encounter 
the police, and, perhaps, might afford him an opportunity to 
escape on some outgoing vessel. So he went, and, to his great 
satisfaction, was successful. 

Edgcumb remained for several days working among the lumber 
piles without anything occurring to disturb him, sleeping at night 
in the huge tub at the brewery. A part of a loaf of bread 
sufficed for his breakfast and the remainder for his supper daily. 
To divert suspicion, he mingled freely with the laborers, using 
their slang, laughing at their rough jokes and vulgar stories, 
seeming to be quite as regardless of a soiled and unkempt 
appearance generally. 

Matters were not destined, however, to run smoothly, 
although Edgcumb had begun to congratulate himself upon 
his success in eluding the police. He was earnestly watching 
an opportunity for engaging himself to some vessel — for there 
were many which discharged their cargoes at the yard — when 
he was taken suddenly ill. It was on the morning following his 
adventure in Coulter^s room. He did not know whether it was 
the result of the excitement of that affair, or the threatening 
symptoms of some serious illness. At any rate he was unable 
to work, and to provide against any contingency of the sort he 
notified his employers of his illness, and asked for his wages, 
which were promptly paid. Then, taking the check from his 
pocket which Humphrey Davids had given him, he considei ed 
the advisability of having it cashed at once. There was the 
dread, however, of entering the bank on account of its close 
proximity to the telegraph office. The fear of being recognized 
was ever present, and he felt that he would rather relinquish 


THE ItOSElTAL. 


191 


his purposes temporarily than to incur the risk which would 
be necessary to obtain the money. Moreover, he had received 
the check for a specific purpose, and with the money in his 
possession he might he tempted to use it for something else, 
therefore he concluded to leave it in the hank until he had fully 
decided what to do in regard to the construction of his instru- 
ruent. 

All of that day our unfortunate lay among the lumber piles 
in an unfrequented part of the yard, scarcely able to raise his 
head. He began to experience that don^t-care feeling which is 
always the precursor of disease; and such was his indifierence 
to everything that the police might have taken him into custody 
without the least remonstrance or feeblest effort to escape. The 
bunk in his old cell, which had once seemed so hard to him, was 
now a coveted luxury, and he longed to lie down upon it and rest 
his aching head. The gallows had lost their terrors for him, for 
he thought only of the present; only for some comfortable place to 
lie down and rest. Is it strange that this man who had made 
such heroic efforts for liberty and life should then have been 
willing to sacrifice both for even so miserable a place as a prison 
bedf No, he was an outcast, without home, friends, or a place 
to lay his head; his body was racked with pain and his mind 
stupefied by disease. Under such conditions one cannot con- 
template beyond the immediate wants of the body. There is 
an inertia of thought, an enfeebled will-power, and one suc- 
cumbs to utter helplessness and despair. 

When darkness came Edgcumb roused himself by a great 
effort, staggered out from among the lumber piles and returned 
to the tub. It was the only place of comfort for him, for the 
concavity of its interior permitted him to rest with his head 
higher than his shoulders. The next morning he was unable to 
rise, and ho remained all day in a drowsy state, partaking of no 
nourishment whatever. He had no desire to eat; the very 
thought of food was repulsive to him. He felt himself growing 
much worse, and then he realized that he was very ill, and that 
something must be done without delay, or it might prove a seri- 
ous matter. He had not been out of the tub but once in many 
hours, then only for a few moments, when he had crept to the 
beach at midnight to cool his parched tongue and aching head. 


1D2 


THi: nuKi^ OF arcanum. 


He struggled to his feet, but nearly fell from faintness. Leaning 
hack against the bottom of the tub for support, he clasped his 
hands to his temples. His bones felt as if they were about to 
lose their articulation and fall asunder, and he was so lame in 
every part of his body from having lain so long upon the hard, 
concave walls of the tub that he could scarcely move. Then it 
was that he remembered a physician’s office which he had passed 
in going to and fro between the brewery and the lumber yard. 
The doctor was doubtless an apothecary also, for the office was 
located in the rear of a drug-store which stood upon a corner, 
and the sign upon each bore the same name. He had serious 
doubts, however, of being able to roach it, for it was nearly 
half a mile distant. The effort cost him what little strength 
remained, but he succeeded and sank down exhausted upon a 
chair just inside of the door. 

There was evidently a lack of appreciation of the doctor’s 
professional skill on the part of the public, for no patients were 
waiting An annunciator fastened to the door jingled as Edg- 
cumb entered, calling the doctor from the pharmacy. He had 
a way of attending patients in his office, much after his fashion 
of waiting upon customers in his store. Whether a prescription 
or a bottle of castor oil were in demand, his method of address 
was much the same. What will you have, sir?” he asked, as 
he approached Stanley, who had leaned his head back against 
the wall, and was breathing laboriously from overexertion. 

There being no response to the question, the doctor ap- 
proached him, concluding that he must be extremely ill if he 
were not able to answer his question. Tapping him on the 
shoulder, he asked again: What can I do for you, my friend? 
Are you ill?” 

“ Yes,” muttered Edgcnmb. 

What seems to be the matter ? ” 

Dunno,” came the answer in a voice scarcely audible. 
Where do you feel bad?” 

All over,” again came a feeble response. 

“ But I want to find out what your symptoms are. Any pain 
in the back? Look up ; let’s see your tongue.” 

Edgcumb endeavored to comply with the request, but the 
doctor barely got a glimpse of the end of it. 


THE HOSPITAL. 


193 


“ A little farther, I cannot see it,^^ urged the doctor. 

Then the patient made an extra effort and gave him a satis- 
factory opportunity for examination. 

“ Now tell me just how you feel, and how long you have been 
complaining.^^ 

To enable the doctor to make a diagnosis, Edgcumb then 
roused himself and attempted to explain how he felt, and how 
long since the symptoms had appeared. The usual observations 
of temperature, pulse and respiration were made; and all man- 
ner of questions asked; and as each was forthcoming, there was 
manifestly an increasing anxiety on the part of the doctor. His 
brows were knit in evident displeasure at something. The tone 
of his questions assumed a sharpness and ascerbity which sur- 
prised the sick man. Finally he asked: Have you been 
exposed to small-pox 

Edgcumb was terrified by the question, but rephed that he 
had not knowingly. 

“ Well,’^ said the doctor, taking fiold of his coat collar and 
fairly lifting him from the chair, “ thaFs what ails you. Now 
get out of here as quickly as you can. 

Edgcumb staggered toward the door. As he passed out the 
doctor gave him a push and slammed it after him. Stanley fell 
heavily upon the walk, where he lay in an insensible condition 
for several minutes. An officer, in passing the corner, observed 
him lying prone upon his face, and, approaching, shook him vig- 
orously by the shoulders, but to no purpose. 

Such a spectacle in a large city is not long in attracting a 
crowd, and one speedily gathered about the prostrate form. The 
officer next applied the usual heroic measures of restoration by 
clubbing him on the soles of his shoes. Still unsuccessful, he 
was about to repeat the operation, when the doctor opened the 
door slightly, and shouted to ’those standing near: “ G-et away 
from there, every one of you, that man has the small-pox 

It is almost unnecessary to say that the crowd disappeared 
like a handful of chaff before the wind, nor was the officer more 
modest in his flight than the gamin over whom he excitedly 
stumbled. At a safe distance he was content to stand guard 
and warn pedestrians to take the opposite side of the street. 

Edgcumb revived, and, gathering himself together, crawled to 
13 


194 


mm mVKE OP ABCANUM. 


the curbing, where he sat down with his feet in the gutter, lie 
saw the officer at a little distance closely watching him, and 
heard his warnings to keep to the opposite side of the street. 
It became a settled conviction that he was about to fall into 
the hands of the authorities again, but he did not care ; he was 
past all that; he wanted a place where he could lie down and 
die. 

A messenger having been dispatched to the health office, an 
ambulance soon arrived to take him away, after which the doc- 
tor did a wholesale business in vaccination. 

Stanley supposed he was a prisoner again, but consented 
without a murmur to be lifted into the vehicle and driven away. 
Although the doctor had made known to him the nature of his 
malady in such a forcible manner, yet he did not seem to realize 
the truth of it. He had not revived in time to bear the excla- 
mation of warning shouted through the half-open door. He 
seemed bewildered and had but one idea, that he was 
going back to prison to occupy his old cell and bed. The ambu- 
lance rattled away rapidly over the pavement and he was silent. 
The direction taken was, surely enough, toward the prison ; and 
presently the structure with its grated windows stood before 
him. He expected momentarily to see the vehicle stop, but it 
kept moving on and the familiar walls were soon left in the dis- 
tance. Then he wondered for a moment where they were taking 
him, but, soon being overcome with drowsiness, he sank into an 
oblivious state. His two attendants occasionally chatted as 
they drove along, but his ears were listless; even the jolting of 
the vehicle did not disturb him. 

The Small -pox Hospital, whither Edgcumb was being carried, 
w^as located in the southwestern outskirts of the city.* It was 
a tedious drive of several miles from the point where the ambu- 
lance had received its infectious freight, and was situated in an 
isolated spot as far removed as possible from human habitations. 
To th'e west and south the great prairies spread out in a limit- 
less expanse, clothed in green, stretching like a vast sea far 
beyond the observer’s ken ; dotted here and there with small 

^ The Small-pox Hospital, at this period, wa? really located on the lake 
shore some distance north of the Avater-works, hut to suit the convenience of 
the narrative the location is changed as above indicated. 


THE HOSPITAL. 


195 


white cottages, reminding one of specks like sails far out on the 
bosom of the deep, and but faintly discernible with the naked 
eye. In the opposite direction the city spread out, enveloped in 
a mantle of smoke and haze, a dull, monotonous and unattract- 
ive prospect to the eye. 

The hospital was a small two-story affair built of brick, but 
was surrounded by extensive grounds, which were inclosed with 
a high fence, on the outer surface of which the name of the in- 
stitution was painted in conspicuous letters. The building stood 
in the center of the grounds, and a broad, graveled roadway led 
from the large gate on the eastern side to the front doorstep, 
thence around to the stable, a few yards in the rear. There 
was usually, at all seasons of the year, a few cases of this 
loathsome disease on hand, for in a city of such magnitude, 
located as it is upon the great highways of travel from east to 
west, it is more or less exposed to contagious diseases. During 
the summer months, the average was small, there being 
frequently but one or two cases to be cared for. 

Arriving at his destination, the patient was first taken to aroom, 
where an examination of his condition was made. The doctor, 
having pronounced it a serious case of small-pox, questioned him 
closely as to where he had contracted it, who he was, where he 
came from, where he had slept, and where he had worked; but 
all ho could ascertain was that the sick man had worked in a 
lumber yard, and, being too ill to talk, the rest was left to con- 
jecture. He was then taken into a large room containing sev- 
eral cots and put to bed. As he lay down and felt his head sink 
into the soft pillows, he thought that he had never experienced 
such a sensation of relief and such a feeling of comfort in his life. 
He had wished for his old bed in the cell, but here was some- 
thing incomparably more camfortable ; something which he had 
not known in many long months. It was all he could wish for, 
all he could think of, and, being grateful, he closed his eyes to 
find that rest which an hour before he had thought could only 
be found in death. The nurse came and sat at his bedside, fan- 
ning his feverish brow, but he was not conscious of her minis- 
trations, for he had sunk into a deep and prolonged slumber. 

Edgcumb was seriously ill; the Joctor said so at any rate, and 
gave him his closest attention. For several days he lay in a 


196 


THE DUKE OF AKCANUM. 


kind of a stupor, delirious at times, and at others quite con- 
scious of his surroundings. Sometimes he would rouse up when 
addressed by the physician or nurse, but generally would soon 
lapse into the same comatose condition, frequently muttering 
incoherent words and sentences. Sometimes opening his eyes, 
and seeing the nurse beside him, he would mistake her for his 
wife and call her Imogen. 

Great, ugly-looking pustules, those horrible blotches, which 
leave their tell-tale marks behind, that the victim may carry 
them through life as a sorry remembrance of the loathsome 
plague, disfigured his face beyond recognition. Each morning 
the doctor anointed them with oil and the nurse cautiously 
watched his hands to prevent mutilation. After a few days the 
virulence of the disease seemed to have abated, and the patient 
showed considerable improvement. He had passed the crisis 
and the doctor announced that with proper care he would 
recover. 

Only a few feet from Edgcumh’s cot was another whose 
occupant was also severely ill with the dreadful malady. The 
good nurse who had so faithfully attended Stanley divided her 
attention between the occupants of these two beds, serving first 
one, then the other. This patient had been brought to the hos- 
pital some three or four days after Edgcumh^s arrival, and 
placed in an adjoining cot that the same nurse might attend 
them both. It was Jarmyn. The circumstances of the case 
were these: One night, about two weeks previous to Edgcumb’s 
escape, tbe watchman at the brewery had just made the rounds 
of the building, and had reached the corner where Jarmyn had 
later on discovered the footprints, when his attention was 
attracted by deep groans, evidently issuing from some one in 
great distress, and apparently coming from the direction of the 
lake. Flashing his lantern he followed the sounds, and a few 
steps brought him to a man lying upon the grass near the walk, 
who said that he was very ill, and to all appearances it was 
true. He told the watchman that he was a wayfarer, having 
neither home, friends, nor money that he was too ill to walk 
and had no shelter for the ni^ht. It was raining slightly at the 
time, with prospects that it I?ad set in for a steady, all-night 
drizzle. The watchman, pitying the man’s unfortunate circum- 


THE HOSPITAL. 


197 


stances and condition, endeavored to think of some place near 
at hand which he could suggest for a shelter. Tlie great tub, 
which he had just passed, seeming most available, he assisted 
the sick man to reach it. A closer inspection there, under the 
glare of his lantern, revealed the fact that it was a case of small- 
pox. He was not disturbed by his discovery, as he had had the 
disease himself; and understanding the proper disposition of 
such cases, he acted accordingly, and in the morning an ambu- 
lance came to take the sufferer to the hospital. A few days 
later the man expired. The result was that Edgcumb and 
Jarmyn were both exposed, and both contracted the infection, 
one coming down a few days before the other. 

Although Jarmyn was very ill, yet his mind seemed to be per- 
fectly clear. He knew constantly all that was transpiring 
about him. It was unaccounlable to him where he had been 
exposed to the disease, and the more he endeavored to conject- 
ure, the more mystifying it became. Occasionally he thought 
of Coulter and Edgcumb, but concluded that his efforts to trace 
the latter had been misspent, as he wms probably then well out 
of his reach. He saw the patient in the cot next to him, and 
frequently heard his mutteriugs, but the thought never entered 
his head that the man whom he had sought so diligently was 
even then almost within reach of his outstretched arm. 

As the two men convalesced, and before either was able to 
leave his bed, a spirit of sympathy, which is nearly always 
manifest between those who experience trouble or misfortune 
together, sprang up between them. They greeted one another 
with the familiar term of “ neighbor, joked each other upon 
the inexpressible beauty of their countenances, humorously 
comparing their “ gems, as they called the largest and most 
unsightly pustules on their faces. The nurse thought that they 
were exceedingly jocular for sick men, and cautioned them to 
be careful lest they should have a relapse. 

Edgcumb’s case had apparently been the more severe, but his 
improvement was more rapid than Jarmyn^s. The weather hav- 
ing turned suddenly cool, Tarmyn had contracted a cold, and 
its effect was very unfavorable. Having recovered his strength, 
Edgcumb was able to be about the room, while his neighbor 
was still confined to his bed. Although quite a familiarity 


198 


THE DUKE OE ABCANUM. 


existed between theiii; each had^ however, given the other a fic- 
titious name, for each had been registered at the hospital under 
an nlias. 

Every day Edgcumb would pass an hour or so by the side of 
Jarni^m’s cot, reading to him trom books which the nurse pro- 
cured from the hospital library. It was a great relief from the 
monotony of the situation to Jarmyn to be thus entertained by 
his newly-formed acquaintance, and it made a bright spot in an 
otherwise disagreeable and hateful existence. One day, while 
Edgcumb was thus occupied, Jarmyn turned on his side toward 
the reader. His eyes, in wandering about, fell upon the buttons 
of Stanley's vest. Under ordinary circumstances he would 
scarcely have noticed them, but the fiict of his having previously 
found two precisely similar caused him no little astonishment. 
Scrutinizing the vest closely, he saw that two buttons were 
missing from it. The voice of the reader now fell upon listless 
ears, for the thread of the narrative was dropped for the warp 
and woof of this astonishing discovery. A light seemed to bo 
dawning— a sudden awakening of hibernated ideas. What 
thoughts could the similarity of those buttons recall other than 
those concerning the fugitive for whom he had so fruitlessly 
searched ? Then, flitting in rapid succession through his mind, 
came the circumstances since Edgeumb’s flight ; the tracks in 
the sand; the story of the officer’s adventure with Grit McGuire; 
and of the sailor in distress; then the tub— yes, the tub; there 
he paused. And is here, too,” he soliloquized. “What a 
marvelous coincidence ! It must have been in that confounded 
old tub that we both caught this pestilence; but they say, ^ it’s 
an ill wind that blows nobody any good.’ ” 

Jarmyn gazed steadily at Edgcumb for some time, studying 
his features to see if he could trace, through the ravages of dis- 
ease, any resemblance to the prisoner whom he had seen at the 
trial; but his face wore a veritable mask, thus spotted with 
pustules, and it was a difficult matter to decide. The tone of 
voice seemed familiar, however, for he had heard Edgcumb give 
his evidence at the trial. His long, shaggy locks were gone, 
but he remembered their color distinctly. He recalled the de- 
scription which the boy had given of the sailor, remembering 
that it had corresponded with Edgeumb’s description, save the 


THE HOSFITAL. 


199 


statement that the sailor^s hair was short. The man before him 
was identically the same that the boy had described. “ Were 
Edgcumb and the sailor the same*?^^ 

Later in the day, while Stanley was in an adjoining room con- 
versing with the doctor, Jarmyn called the nurse to his bedside 
and asked in a confidential manner : “ Who is this neighbor 
of mine with whom I have been on such intimate terms of 
late? It seems as if I had seen him somewhere before I met 
him here.^^ 

I don’t know surely, sir,” the nurse replied ; “ he’s registered 
under the name of Smith.” 

“ Yes; that is the name he also gave me. For the first few 
days he was very ill, was he not?” 

“ Yes, indeed; the doctor thought ’twas all over with him.” 

Was he delirious?” 

“ Yes; he talked all sorts o’ things, without knowin’ what he 
was doin’.” 

“ Could you understand anything he said?” 

“ Once in awhile I could catch a word, but not often; he mut- 
tered so low. He ’peared to be in trouble all the time. Some- 
times he would rouse up, open his eyes and look at me, and call 
me ^ Imogen.’ I am sure I don’t know who he meant. Perhaps 
it is his wife or sister.” 

At the pronunciation of the word Imogen, there flashed upon 
Jarmyn’s memory a recollection of the farewell note which 
Edgcumb had written to his wife. He remembered the address 
“ Imogen Edgcumb” very well. “ Was that all that you could 
understand?” he asked, continuing the interrogation. 

Yes, that was all; but I didn’t pay much ’tention to his 
mutterin’s. I am used to such here. You know sometimes they 
get very crazy; we’ve had ’em jump out of bed and leap through 
the window. Oh, I tell you his case, and yours too, is nothin’ 
compared to some we’ve had here. ” 

What do they do with a man’s clothes when he is brought 
here?” Jarmyn inquired. 

“ They take everything from the pockets and put ’em in a 
l)ackage, mark their name on it, and then lock it in the safe; 
then they take the clothes and disinfect ’em.” 

Is there any way by which you could inspect his package 


200 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


and see what is in it? I would pay liberally to know. Now, 
this is strictly confidential, you understand. 

“ Oh, bless your soul, no; the doctor keeps ^em locked up. 
But I heard ’em talkin’ about some of his things the. day he was 
brought here. ” 

“ Heard who talking about them ?” asked Jarmyn, very much 
interested. 

“ The doctor and the matron.” 

“ What did they say?” 

“ They were talkin’ ’bout some queer drawin’s they found in 
his pocket, and they were lookin’ at ’em when I went in to ask 
the doctor how often to give him his medicine. I heard the doc- 
tor say it looked like it might be some kind of a telegraph, there 
were so many pictures of wires on it.” 

“ A telegraph machine, eh? ” 

'' Yes.” 

“ And did you hear anything else? ” 

Yes; the matron was boldin’ a small piece o’ paper in her 
hand; it looked like one o’ them bank papers that they draw 
money on.” 

“ You mean a check, don’t you? ” 

“ Yes; a check, that’s it. The doctor asked how much ’twas 
for, and the matron said a hundred dollars. Whew! I thought, 
1 wish that was mine, and I wouldn’t be nursin’ these scabby 
folks. ” 

“ What else ? ” 

Then the matron read the name at the bottom of the check, 
and the doctor said it was a lawyer — I can’t remember all the 
name. It was Humphrey somethin’ — 

“ Was it Humphrey Davids? ” 

^‘Yes; that was the name — Humphrey Davids — I remem- 
ber now. ” 

“ Humphrey Davids! ” mused Jarmyn. Yes, yes, I see now. 
He knows all about it, and he is assisting Edgcumb to make his 
escape.” 

While Jarmyn was thus soliloquizing, Edgcumb reappeared. 
He perceived a slight embarrassment on the part of the nurse 
as he entered, so he laughingly remarked to his companion : 

Neighbor, I hope I have not intruded upon your privacy. If 


THE HOSPITAL. 201 

I have, I will go back and interview the doctor a little while 
longer. 

“ Oh, nevermind, Mr. Smith/^ replied Jarmyn, the nurse 
has been entertaining me with an account of some of the bad 
cases they have here.^^ 

Am I one of them? 

No, no, Mr. Smith, not by any means. He did not mean it 
in that way. We were talkin^ about the bad cases of small-pox 
we have here, and how crazy some of ^em gets,^^ exclaimed the 
nurse, as she turned away to attend to her duties. 

“ Did she say that I was delirious, too ? Stanley inquired of 
Jarmyn after the woman had gone. 

^^Yes; she said that you talked so much about a tub that 
she concluded that you must be in the laundry business. 

As Jarmyn spoke he watched Edgcumb sharply to note the 
effect. 

“ A tub! repeated Stanley, feigning not to understand, and 
giving Jarmyn a piercing glance, as if trying to penetrate his 
thoughts. The latter merely smiled and closed his eyes; but he 
was quite certain that he detected a trace of anxiety in his 
companion's face. It was obvious that Edgcumb was uneasy, 
fearing that he had betrayed his secret during some of his 
delirious spells; so to quiet his fears, and to relieve him of any 
suspicion which his remark might have awakened, he replied: 
“ It^s very strange what queer things one will say and do when 
one^s mind is affected by disease. They are as incomprehensible 
and ridiculous as dreams. And do you know, sir, by the way, 
I regard dreams as the most singular phenomena existing with- 
in the domain of psychology. They are beyond and outside of 
the domain of human comprehension. We are sensible to 
dreams, for they leave vague impressions upon us ; but we can- 
not understand their mysterious action on the mind, how it can 
experience the sensations of pain, fright, joy and anguish when 
it is in such a state that it is not susceptible to external im- 
pressions.^^ 

It is remarkable,^’ said Edgcumb. 

An inscrutable mystery, sir. Just to think that the human 
mind, which has discovered the hidden secrets of chemistry to 
that extent that the invisible air is made to yield us a knowledge 


202 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


of its constituent parts ; of microscopy, by which a grain or an 
atom quite invisible to the eye can be separated into its mill- 
ionth part; of astronomy, which has exposed the grand system 
of the universe, measured astral distances, and by means of the 
spectroscope has determined the nature of the sidereal elements; 
yet it does not know itself or cannot account for the phenom- 
enon of a dream. 

It is singular, indeed, said Stanley, thoughtfully. 

And we have such strange dreams, too,^^ continued Jarmyn. 

I cannot imagine what can put such thoughts — for they must 
be thoughts— into a man^s head while asleep. When in a 
wakeful or conscious state, one might cudgel his brains, and 
excite his imagination to its utmost, and he could never con- 
ceive such absurdities as are those nocturnal images and situa- 
tions which arise from dreamland. I had a very strange one last 
night. 

What was the nature of your dream, my friend? Or will it 
fatigue you too much to relate it ? I am afraid you are over- 
doing yourself. 

“ Oh, no; I feel pretty well to-day.’^ 

“ I should like to hear it, then.^^ 

Perhaps not, as it concerned yourself. 

'' Concerned me! exclaimed Edgcumb; I am all the more 
anxious to hear it then.^^ 

“Well,^^ said Jarmyn, turning himself slightly to one side to 
obtain a more comfortable position, “ these cots are deuced 
uncomfortable to one who has been used to sleeping on a hair 
mattress. What have you been used to sleeping on ? 

Edgcumb was so surprised by the question that he betrayed 
not a little confusion for a moment; but, quickly recoveiing his 
wits, he replied: The best that circumstances would afford.’’ 

“ Well, I started out to tell that dream, but in turning ovei* 
there came such forcible recollections of my hair mattress that 
I forgot what I was going to say. The dream was so weird, so 
singular, and made such an impression upon me that I awoke 
with a start. Everytliing appeared to be in pantomime, not a 
syllable being spoken by the actors. It seemed that I was pass- 
ing along a lonely road in the night. The moon was shining 
brightly, giving the shadows of the trees by the roadside the 


THE HOSPITAL. 


203 


appearance of prodigious silhouettes of men. Finally I came to 
a declivity in the road, where a narrow gorge had been cut 
through a hill by natural processes. I dreaded to pass through 
this gorge, but did so, and as I emerged at the foot there seemed 
to be a small plateau with a mighty lake just beyond. As 1 
stepped upon the plateau a strange sight met my eyes. The 
moon shining uj^on the lake silvered the placid waters with a 
sheen -like luster. Upon the plateau there were two dark 
objects engaged in a struggle. Stepping behind a rock which 
hiy at the mouth of the gorge, I watched the combat. It was a 
desperate one and the combatants kept drawing closer and 
closer to me. At last I discovered them to be two large and 
ferocious lions, at which I started to run away, but tripped and 
fell; but, upon regaining my feet, the two lions seemed to have 
turned mto two men — you know how rapidly dreams will some- 
times change in form. Well, I was not so much frightened at 
the men as I had been at the lions, so I stepped back under 
cover of the rock again. The struggle continued and they 
came very close to me. By the light of the moon, which was 
now shining full in their faces, I saw that one of them was you 
— only you appeared to have long hair, the other a man with 
black hair and mustache, about your own age and size. Then 
Jarmyn gave an accurate description of Coulter, opining, as he 
watched the result, that Edgcumb evinced an unusual degree of 
nervousness. His lips were compressed and it appeared to be 
an effort for him to maintain composure. 

Jarmyn continued : The other man, whoever he was, 

seemed to have the best of it, for you were down and he was on 
top, trying to strangle you. Then there came a loud peal of 
thunder and a blinding flash — a queer thing to come from a 
clear sky, with the moon shining, was it not ? But that only 
shows the absurdity of dreams. The man seemed to loosen his 
hold at this, and you were quick to take advantage of it. 
Throwing off your antagonist, you made a dash toward the 
precipice and jumped into the lake; but you soon reappeared 
again, and T saw you then, as I see you now, with short hair. 
Then, seeming to renew the attack yourself, you pushed your 
antagonist desperately toward a great dark object which stood 
upon the plateau. I walked toward it with morbid curiosity, and, 


L>04 


Tlll£ DUKE OE AlWANmi. 


behold, it was a scaffold, with the trap set and the noose sus- 
pended, ready to receive the neck of the victim. You fought 
one another up the steps of the scaffold, and then ensued a 
most desperate struggle, each trying to force the other’s head 
into the noose. Suddenly I heard a crash; the trap had 
fallen, and a body was dangling from the scaffold. I saw the 
victor spring to the ground and run away in the darkness. I 
could not tell which it was until .1 approached the scaffold and 
turned the body toward the moon; then I saw that it was you, 
and I awoke with a start, the perspiration standing out on my 
brow. 

The reader will readily surmise that Jarmyn’s dream was a 
myth. A myth it was, in reality, but the iugenuity and pur- 
pose of it are apparent. It was one of his peculiar ways of 
getting at the truth of a matter, and it had the desired effect, 
for it was obvious that Edgcumb was in a state of perturbation. 

What’s the matter? ” asked Jarmyn. “You appear to be 
very uneasy about my story.” 

“ The thought of such horrible dreams makes me shudder, ” 
Edgcumb replied, endeavoring to appear more composed. 
“ The fact is that a scaffold or anything suggestive of one has 
always been a hideous subject to my mind.” 

“ You do not approve of capital punishment then ? ” 

“ Not by hanging. No sir; it’s simply barbarous. The world 
has progressed in every respect excepting its methods of execu- 
tion. In that respect it stands where it did centuries ago. I 
can conceive of nothing more brutal than execution by hanging. 
It is so frequently performed in a bungling way, and it is an 
outrageously inhuman method of punishment.” 

“ But what plan do you prefer? There must be some way of 
making the law terrible to the eyes of offenders.” 

If you must have executions, perform them in a more civil- 
ized manner, by electricity, or even poison. When there are 
such powerful agencies of death available as hydrocyanic acid, 
a few drops of which placed upon the tongue will produce death 
quite as speedily as by a bullet, and much more so than by 
strangulation, why resort to such methods as hanging? You 
may terrorize the victim, but what good is accomplished? He 
does not live to profit by it. If you had a dog or a cat which 


THE HOSPITAL. 


205 


you wished to dispose of you would never persuade yourself to 
tie a rope around its neck and draw it up for strangulation. 
No, sir; you would simply give it a dose of poison. Why should 
you be more humane to the dog than the man ? Those who 
commit murder are instinctively bad. They have vicious hearts 
and will commit such acts regardless of consequences. The 
law can never devise a penalty which will prevent crime. I 
believe, sir, that some men are born with evil hearts, as some 
are born with a wonderful talent for music or a marvelous 
genius for invention. In either case they are abnormal develop- 
ments, one in a good direction^ the other in a bad. The one 
cannot help becoming a great inventor, and the other cannot 
help becoming a great criminal. So, as long as the world must 
be burdened with such creatures, work them off in the easiest 
way possible, and in that which will be the most humane. 

“I am quite of the opposite opinion, said Jarmyn, after 
Stanley had finished his remarks. I do not think a criminal 
deserves one-half the consideration which should be shown to a 
dog. The latter is an irresponsible, unreasoning animal, which 
does not know right from wrong, while man, being mentally 
endowed by the Creator, is a responsible creature, and if he 
takes the life of another he should be disposed of in a manner 
which will produce a wholesome dread of the law. Why, neigh- 
ber, I tell you hanging is too good for some men.^’ 

You have very radical views, I see,^^ replied Edgcumb. 

“ I am unrelenting toward criminals. Society must be pro- 
tected and the law upheld if the gallows must be worked night 
and day to do it.^^ 

Jarmyn had become so interested in his argument, that he 
had raised his head, supporting himself with his elbow ; but as 
this last sentence escaped his lips he sank back upon the pillow 
thoroughly exhausted. A complete prostration followed, lasting 
several days, during which Edgcumb was untiring in his atten- 
tions to the sick man. Day after day as he sat by his bedside, 
the singular dream which Jarmyn had related haunted him. 
Did it portend some calamity, some struggle between Coulter 
and himself, in which one of them would perish ? The gallows ! 
The thought of the gallows caused a shudder to accentuate his 
anxiety. How strangely the dream had portrayed the reality, 


206 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


for the struggle had coiumenced in which he or his mortal 
enemy must triumph. Could it he possible that the man had 
had such a wonderful dream ? Or did he suspect him of being a 
fugitive, and had he discovered his identity f It was quite im> 
probable that he was a detective, for why should a detective be 
there with a genuine case of small-pox simultaneously with 
himself. There was something inexplicable about it all which 
caused feelings of doubt and uncertainty to constantly per- 
vade him. 

Stanley had been in the hospital five weeks when the doctor 
pronounced him to be entirely well, and gave him permission to 
depart, returning the money and papers which he had found in 
his clothing. Entering the room where Jarmyn was still lying ill, 
he told him that he had just received his discharge and would 
be off in the morning. Jarmyn expressed regret; he was loath 
to lose so agreeable a companion. He was sorry, indeed, but 
for reasons altogether different from those implied in looks and 
demeanor. He was sorry that he could not lay his hands upon 
him and say : “ You are Stanley Edgcumb and I am Jarmyn. 
Come .along with me, for the law claims you and I am the agent 
of the law. Much as he had come to regard Edgcumb by the 
associations of the past few weeks, still duty was paramount to 
friendship; and there was undoubtedly, too, that secret pride 
of a faithful dog that stands before its master, wagging its tail, 
ready to execute some unusual feat at his command. The pride 
and the desire were apparent, but the ability was lacking. The 
law was his master ; he knew no other ; and he was faithful to 
his masters trust. 

Jarmyn lay in bed and watched Edgcumb^s movements the 
rest of the day, and finally, when evening came and the latter 
went out to take an airing, he called the nurse to his bedside 
and asked: “Who is the young fellow that comes in every 
morning to do the chores I 

“ Ah, that’s Larry,” the nurse replied. 

“ Larry, eh? A likely fellow I should say.” 

“ Likely enough,” answered the nurse, with a coyness which 
was quite refreshing. 

“Well, if he is likely, then in all likelihood you like him,” 
returned Jarmyn, smilingly. 


THE HOSPITAL. 


207 


A like is a likely likelihood when the liker likes the liked/’ 
the nurse replied, in a rather perplexing and decidedly non- 
committal, philandering way. 

Very likely,” said Jarmyn, much amused at this allit- 
eration, “ hut I should like to ask a favor of Larry.’ 

And Larry would like to do it, I am sure.” 

In which case I should like to reward him. Do you think 
that I could trust him to do an errand, and would he do it 
well? It is something of great importance and extremely con- 
lidential.” 

Larry’s honest and faithful, and he will do it right, I am 
sure of that.” 

“ What is the hour, and can I see him at once ?” 

It’s a quarter after seven, sir. You can see him this minute 
if you wish.” 

“ All right ; have him come in at once. I wish to see him 
alone.” 

The nurse disappeared, and a moment later Larry was at 
the bedside. After imposing the strictest secrecy upon him, 
Jarmyn proceeded to tell him what he wished him to do : “ After 

you have thoroughly disinfected yourself, I wish you to go to 
the office of the Chief of Police and inquire for him. You must 
not confide this matter to any one else, under any circum- 
stances, unless the Chief should be sick or absent from the city, 
then inquire for Captain Black. If the Chief is not there, then 
go to his house; you must find him, at all events, and deliver 
this message to him. I can’t wiite it down ; you must remem- 
ber it. Tell him that Jarmyn — be sure and remember the 
name — Jarmyn wants him to send two officers who have had 
the small-pox, here at daylight to-morrow morning, to make an 
arrest ; to have them dress in citizens’ clothes, and to inquire 
for the nurse. Do you understand ? ” 

“ I do,” replied Larry. 

Very well, then; hurry along and tell the nurse to come 
back; I desire to see her a minute. Kemember and keep a 
close mouth.” 

Larry quietly signified that he needed no cautions and 
retired. 

Edgcumb had been strolling upon the walks around the hospi- 


208 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM, 


tal. He had reached the ren:r end of the house and turned the 
corner, when the door opened, and he heard the sound of voices. 
The doorway was hidden by lattice-work, so that ho could 
plainly hear the conversation without being perceived. The 
voices were those of a man and woman — Larry and the nurse. 
The latter had followed her lover to the steps, and, closing the 
door behind her, asked: What’s up, Larry f What are you 

goin’ to do ? ” 

“ Goin’ on an errant, Betty. What d’ye suppose? ” 

I thought as much, but tell me where and what for? ” 

‘‘Oh, don't be curious, Betty. I’m goin’ down to the city.” 

“ But what did the man want of you ? There’s somethin’ veiy 
strange about it.” 

“ Now, Betty, you know more’n I do about it, for he told me 
to have the two cops come and ask for you.” 

“ Cops ! Cops ask for me ? Why, what do you mean, Larry ? 
I’m sure I don’t want to have anything to do with the cops.” 

“ Well, if you don’t know, just go in and ask Mr. Jarmyn. 

“Mr. who?” 

“ Mr. Jarmyn to be sure ; the man you brought me in to see.” 

“ Why, that’s not his name, Larry ; his name is Mr. Brown.” 

“ Well, mebbe it is, Betty ; but that is the name he told me 
to give to the Chief of Police ; and he told me to be sure and 
remember it.” 

“ An’ it’s the Chief of Police you’re goin’ to see ? Oh, I know 
what he’s up to now. He’s goin’ to have ’em take Mr. Smith 
off to prison. I know it’s that, for he was askin’ me so many 
questions about him the other day. When are the cops 
coinin’ ? ” 

“ At daylight to-morrow morning. Now, Betty, you must 
keep still. I promised to keep it to meself, but you wimmin 
have sich a way of making a feller talk when he oughtn’t to. 
By the way, Mr. Jarmyn, or Mr. Brown, or whatever his name 
is, wants to see you right away. You had better go in while I 
go about me errant. He’s goin’ to pay me well, so I must hurry 
away.” 

“ Mebbe there’s a big reward for the man, Larry ; you must 
keep an eye open to that and stand in for some of it.” 

“I’ll do it; don’t worry.” 


THE HOSTITAL. 209 

The nurse re-entered the house, while Larry proceeded down 
the path to the stable. 

Edgcumb was completely overwhelmed by what he had heard. 
He could scarcely believe his ears. Now the remarkable dream 
and inexplicable words of his companion were perfectly clear to 
him. It was Jarmyn, the famous detective, of whom he had 
heard so much while in prison, who had been his professed friend, 
and he shuddered at the thought of it. He was determined, how- 
ever, to satisfy himself still farther. Then walking quietly back 
to the front door he entered, and proceeded directly to the sick 
room. There, indeed, he found Jarmyn and the nurse in con- 
sultation. Seemingly cool and undisturbed as if nothing had 
happened, he apologized for his intrusion, remarking : “ Well, 
neighbor, I shall probably not get away very early in the morn- 
ing, so I will come in and see you before I go. I hope you will 
rest well. I am going to retire now, so I will bid you good- 
night. 

“ Good-night, Jarmyn responded. Come in, in the morn- 
ing. 

“ Don’t have any more of those hideous dreams, ” said Stanley, 
smiling pleasantly as he turned away. 

I hope I shall not,” Jarmyn replied. 

For two or three nights Stanley had occupied a small room 
on the second floor. To this he retired. The nurse saw him 
ascend the stairs and enter the room ) she listened and heard 
him lock the door; but in the morning when the two officers 
forced it open they found an empty room and an unused bed. 
The bird had mysteriously flown. 


14 


CHAPTER XVI. 


THE EIEE. 

Sunday, the following day, the eighth of October, 1871, was 
fraught with the most appalling catastrophe of modern times- 
The day dawned upon a city of unexampled prosperity, lying 
undisturbed upon the shore of the great lake, whose placid 
waters lazily lapped the ten miles of strand before it. The 
spires of its beautiful churches, the lofty domes and cupolas of 
its public buildings and palaces of trade were conspicuously 
marked against a sun-lit sky. It closed amidst a scene of deso- 
lation indescribable, with its crumbling magnificence overcast 
with a flame-lit sky. As is likely to be the case with an opulent 
people, the inhabitants of Chicago felt secure in their possessions, 
and listened to the first clangor of the fire-bells with indifier- 
ence. Such sounds were not unusual and did not disturb them. 
They were listless to their brazen alarms until they heard the 
mad rush of an engine; then they sought their doors and win- 
dows to see the flying monster. It was not the fire but the 
exciting dash of the machine over the pavement, the noise of 
the gongs, the flying sparks and incidental uproar which 
attracted them. But the continued clanging of the bells, and 
the rattling, puffing flight of succeeding engines, led them to 
anxiously search for the cause of all the commotion. Away to 
the southwest the sky was lurid with the red glare of a confla- 
gration. It was the beginning, and few mistrusted that the 
Demon of Destruction had marked a myriad of roofs, and that 
the wind, which was even then developing into a gale, would 
fan it on in its work of devastation. 

But the fiery tempest gave momentary evidence of the mas- 
tery which it had obtained and was obtaining. Square after 
square went down, the cordon of brave firemen being compelled 
to retreat, dragging their machines after them when they could, 
and leaving them to the seething blasts when they could not do 


210 


THE FIBE. 


211 


otherwise. But soon, to the horror of the fleeing and helpless 
multitudes, a gleam shot forth on the opposite side of the river. 
Then there was a furious rush for the new scene of operations, 
and the bridges became choked and impassable. Crimson and 
more crimson grew the sky; louder and louder grew the tumult; 
fiercer and fiercer swept the flames, now rising in pyramids of 
majestic grandeur, then bent by the howling winds until they 
lapped the surface of the streets below; on, on in an irresistible, 
career to the solid blocks and commercial centers of the city. 

The bells of the entire city were now sending forth their notes 
of alarm in a perfect bable of multifarious tones — a wild, start- 
ling, rapid peal of brazen voices, striking terror and rousing the 
inhabitants to the danger of the situation, for the fire had made 
such uncontrollable headway that all human agencies were pow- 
erless to arrest its progress. As the flames advanced there was 
a frantic rush of everybody, pell-mell, to escape. Wagons, 
trucks and all kinds of vehicles, piled indiscriminately with 
merchandise, many of which were on fire, were seen pushing 
their way desperately through the jam. Horses were rearing 
and plunging, maddened by the showering sparks and the ter- 
rible scenes which surrounded them, while clouds of dust and 
cinders were driven through the streets, falling upon faces like 
the hot blasts of the simoon. 

At such times of peril and excitement, when the law loses its 
supremacy for the time being, and a community is shaken by a 
dire calamity, there always comes to the surface the base and 
vicious elements of society. As a pool, which appears clear and 
wholesome when calm and undisturbed, but which becomes 
black with dregs and sediment when roiled and agitated, yield- 
ing all its filth and impurities which have lain hidden beneath, 
so did the burning of Chicago turn loose upon its streets the 
depravity of its slums, to ply an open and unrestrained brigand- 
age, thus adding horror to the situation. At this time the city 
had been fairly given over to the depredations of outlaws. With 
the multitude at large it was sauve qui peut, but with the 
canaille it was the deviks holiday. 

There was one man upon that eventful night who had found 
himself among the surging crowds of excited people in the South 
Division. He was there, like thousands of others, watching 


212 


THE DUKE OF ARCANVM. 


with absorbing interest and anxiety the thrilling scenes of the 
conflagration. He had been borne irresistibly on, from place to 
place, by the great human waves which swept along from street 
to street before the mighty tempest. It was Edgeumb. No one 
would have recognized him, however, for he wore a fresh dis- 
guise, besides one which everybody involuntarily assumed on 
that occasion — features blackened with smoke and cinders, and 
begrimed with soot and dust to such an extent that brothers 
were even strangers to each other. He had no fear of 
recognition. There was no cause for any, for at such a 
time of excitement, amid such turbulent scenes, when Demo- 
lition held high carnival through the streets of the ill-fated 
city, there were no thoughts of escaped prisoners; no scrutiny 
of faces ; no care for anything but to get away from the 
danger which threatened them ; no eyes for anything but the 
maddening spectacle of destruction. 

We saw the fugitive but a few hours since at the hospital 
frustrating the well-laid plans of Jarmyn, and the first glimpse 
which we catch of him again is amid the sea of up-turned faces 
upon the eastern side of the court-house eagerly watching the 
storming of the law's sanctuary. There stood the very structure 
before him within whose walls a jury had condemned him to 
death. Had there been time for reflection his thoughts would 
undoubtedly have drifted back to the scenes which had been 
enacted therein so recently, but the moment was fraught with 
the wildest confusion. There was no opportunity for reflection. 
Already the Chamber of Commerce opposite and the massive 
blocks upon the adjacent corners were sending up pillars of 
smoke and flame. 

Edgeumb had pushed his way to the front ranks of the 
crowd. He saw the flames burst from the cupola, and a moment 
later saw it fall, shooting up a myriad of sparks, scattering like 
the spray of a fountain. He saw the liberated prisoners as they 
fled from their opened cells in the lower part of the burning 
building, all save the murderers, who were ironed and marched 
sullenly away. He saw that the law still maintained its hold 
upon them, however weak and palsied it seemed to be, and 
though it had lost its general supremacy over man, as man had 
lost his supremacy over the raging element. He saw those who 


TEE FIBE. 


213 


were liberated dash into the crowd, and was pushed fiercely 
aside by one of them, who hurled the foulest imprecations upon 
all who stood in his way. The voice was familiar, and, scanning 
the face by the light of the glaring flames, he saw that it was 
Pintard. A -feeling of horror seized him at the sight of the 
villain, and the thought that he was again free. Then he 
dashed after him with the puipose of following him. He did 
not know why, but it was useless, for a moment later he had 
disappeared. As well might he have tried to individualize a 
single flake of snow in a blinding storm as to have attempted to 
follow a human being through the scenes of mad riot and con- 
fusion thereabout. 

The crowd pushed on, scattering into the adjacent streets, 
where the fire had not yet developed its intensity, although 
buildings seemed to be bursting into flames in all directions. 
Edgcumb drifted along aimlessly, almost bringing up the rear 
of that portion which shuffled into Washington street, passing 
eastward toward the lake. The fire kept pace with the retreat, 
menacing the multitude with burning brands. Dearborn street 
relieved this thoroughfare of a portion of its throngs, and far- 
ther on to State street and Wabash avenue a channel of escape 
was still open, both to the north and south of Washington 
street. 

Edgcumb had reached a point midway between Dearborn 
and State streets, when the great opera house suddenly burst 
into flames. It seemed to become a pillar of fire in a moment’s 
time. He stopped to gaze at the spectacle, and was about to 
pass on, when a man dashed up, exclaiming, in an excited man- 
ner: “ My God, all I have in the world is in there! I must 
save it or die in the attempt I 

Edgcumb recognized on the instant the foolhardiness of the 
act, and springing forward seized the man by the shoulder, 
shouting: “ Man, you are insane. Don’t throw yourself away 
in such a reckless attempt. You can’t go in there. Don’t you 
see the place is all ablaze? ” 

“I am ruined if I don’t,” the man answered. Then, by a 
sudden effort, he released himself from Edgeumb’s grasp, and 
rushing into the building darted up the stairs. 

Edgcumb stood petrified with horror and amazement on wit- 


214 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


nessing the act, for he momentarily expected to see the building 
collapse and bury the man in a fiery tomb. His feelings were 
such that he could not turn away and leavehim to his fate; still 
he was powerless to save him. His own position was becoming 
perilous in the extreme from the heat and dying embers. The 
flames were leaping from the upper stories, and dense volumes 
of smoke were pouring out of nearly all the windows on the 
several floors. It was a moment of intense anxiety. As he 
stood gazing at the terrible scene he saw a man at one of the 
most easterly windows in the third story. He had raised the 
sash and seemed to be leaning out and peering down into the 
street below. In an uncertain and terrified manner, he glanced 
to the right, to the left, and overhead at the angry flames, 
which, reaching out and sweeping in fantastic curves, almost 
licked his face. Then he disappeared, and Edgeumb thought 
that he had succumbed to the smoke and heat ; but a moment 
later he reappeared, holding a tin box in his hand, with which 
he crawled out upon the window-sill. By the glare of the 
flames which were momentarily closing upon him, Edgeumb 
recognized the person who had rushed excitedly into the death- 
trap against his admonition. With bated breath he gazed up at 
him, spell-bound with horror. The man seemed to poise him- 
self, tlien, dangling his limbs aloof from the wall, he vaulted, 
box in hand, from the window, making the frightful leap to the 
street below. 

Edgeumb instinctively rushed forward, reaching the spot 
almost the instant the man struck the pavement. He was not 
dead. He had fallen upon his feet, but his limbs were terribly 
shattered. In response to a question he said : “ Save me, 
save me — and the box ; I will reward you. 

Whatever was to be done must be done quickly. A single 
glance decided him. The man would surely perish in a few 
minutes if abandoned. He would try and save him, although 
he recognized the almost hopelessness of the eflbrt. Taking up 
the battered box, he placed the handle between his teeth, and, 
raising the man as tenderly as he could, managed to get him 
upon his back and strode away with him. Slowly ho made his 
way toward Wabash avenue, literally treading upon fire-brands 


THE FIBE, 215 

and plunging through a hailstorm of fiery missiles. The throng 
had preceded him, plundering and pillaging as it went. 

It was now morning. The heavens had been illuminated for 
hours, so that it had been impossible to distinguish day from 
night. Over the city and lake was spread a mighty pall of 
smoke, through which, just a little above the surface of the 
water, the sun, shorn of its golden spears, appeared, resembling 
a huge cannon-ball, heated to the utmost degree of redness, and 
held in suspension by some invisible power. 

Eeaching Wabash avenue, Edgcumb turned north, but he had 
not taken many steps ere it became evident that he could not 
proceed much farther with his heavy burden. Pausing for an 
instant^s rest, he cast about for some means of relieving him- 
self and of saving the man’s life. He was standing before a 
hardware store, the large plate windows of which had been 
broken, the place having been ransacked by thieves. His eye 
could easily penetrate the interior, and as it rested upon a 
number of wheel- barrows, he felt that the means of salvation 
was at hand. There was no time to be lost in procuring one, for 
minutes were precious, as the fire was rapidly encroaching upon 
his path. Eelieving himself of his burden by placing the injured 
man upon the walk, he entered the store through the broken 
window and secured one of the barrows. Then followed some 
difficulty in placing him in a comfortable position on the awkward 
vehicle. He had lost consciousness, but now and then a deep 
groan escaped him, as Stanley wheeled him on. 

Edgcumb had placed the box on the barrow by the side of its 
owner, scarcely giving it any attention, for his mind was occu- 
pied with but one thought — of saving himself and the injured 
man as speedily as possible. In taking the direction which he 
did, however, he was unconsciously approaching danger instead 
of avoiding it, for from the moment that the court-house fell, 
the fire had swept on to the north and east with amazing rapid- 
ity. But in taking this course he had expected to make his way 
to the foot of Wabash avenue, and thence by Eiver street and 
the Eush street bridge he had hoped to gain the North Division. 
Everything west of him was ablaze, the fire nearly reaching to 
the avenue ; but Eiver street was still open and he would un- 
doubtedly have succeeded in gaining his point bad not an 


216 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


unfortunate incident here occurred. He had just turned into 
Kiver street, when a number of looters came rushing along from 
the direction of South Water street. One of them, whom he 
recognized as Grit McGuire, saw the tin box upon the barrow, 
and, suddenly turning, seized it and ran back into Wabash 
avenue. Edgcumb knew that the box contained something of 
great value, for the injured man had risked his life with almost 
fatal consequences in endeavoring to save it. Without a 
moment^s hesitation he dropped the handles of the barrow and 
started in pursuit. Up Wabash to Lake street; thence to Mich- 
igan avenue, along the latter to Randolph, back to Wabash; 
thence a block south and back again, to Michigan, the robber 
led the zig-zag chase, closely pursued, the pursuer gaining upon 
him at every step. At length, after a chase of half a mile, the 
thief, finding that he would be overtaken, threw the box into a 
basement and darted into an alley near at hand. 

Having secured the box, Edgcumb hurried back toward the 
spot where he had left its owner upon the wheelbarrow in the 
middle of the street, but to his horror he saw as he approached 
the locality that the fire had seized upon that section, and 
everything was a seething mass of flames. Being utterly dis- 
mayed at the consequences of his hasty action in leaving the 
man in such a perilous position while attempting to recover the 
box, and, realizing that he could not reach him, he turned to seek 
safety in another direction. 

There was now but one choice left — Michigan avenue — for the 
west side of Wabash, along which he had wheeled his helpless 
charge, was impassable for several blocks. Beyond that the 
avenue was thronged with vehicles and people, migrating before 
the flames like a caravan. The same was also true of Michigan 
avenue, but to a greater extent, and Edgcumb soon found him- 
self in the midst of a great throng, making his way with diffi- 
culty. Upon reaching the park on the Lake Front, just 
above Van Buren street, which extends southward for half a 
mile, there was an extensive blockade of conveyances of every 
description. Frail vehicles were wedged between wagons and 
trucks, loaded with rescued property, the drivers of which were 
cursing and shouting vociferously to those farther on to make 
way for them. All were frantic in their endeavors to get away 


THE FIBE. 


217 


from the approaching flames, the heavy trucks frequently try- 
ing to plow their way through, the diivers ferociously lashing 
their horses, and showering the vilest imprecations upon all 
about. Carriages were denuded of their wheels, and horses, 
maddened, were rearing and plunging in a vain attempt to run. 
People were jostling each other upon the walks. Everything 
had the appearance of a solid and inextricable mass. Covering 
the whole expanse of the Lake Front there was an unparalleled 
scene of tumult and desolation. Household goods of every 
description were piled promiscuously about, and burning embers 
were continually dropping in their midst, igniting them. Men 
were hurrying from the lake with water to extinguish the 
flames. Everything available that would hold water, or par- 
tially so, was pressed into use. Half-dressed women and chil- 
dren were huddled together.; men were unloading merchandise 
saved from burning stores, piling it up only to be subsequently 
destroyed. Thousands were pouring in constantly from ad- 
jacent streets, struggling for a place of safety for themselves 
and their rescued property. Thieves were everywhere busy, 
taking forcible possession of goods, or rifling trunks where one 
could be seized. They went about in gangs, spreading terror 
by their merciless depredations upon the helpless and unfort- 
unate, thus adding immeasurably to the horror and distress of 
the situation. These vandals were led by men of the most des- 
perate character, some of whom but a few hours before had 
been inmates of the city piison. Pintard and Grit McGuire 
were there — both leading spirits, both flagitious outlaws, and 
capable of any crime or iniquity. Edgcumb saw them flitting 
about from place to place, robbing terrified women and unarmed 
men, often aiding in the work of destruction by throwing fire- 
brands in the midst of rescued property, and preventing the 
efforts of owners to extinguish them. They were the arch 
enemies of society in the time of its utmost distress — the lieu- 
tenants of the Fire Fiend in his diabolical work of destruction- 
Edgcumb did not fear for the safety of Imogen and the chil- 
dren, for he never dreamed that the fire would cross the river 
and consume the North Division. There were thousands like 
iiim who had entered the South Division to view the spectacle 
of the conflagration, and had beaten about from place to place, 


218 


THE DUKE OF ABCANTJM. 


until the awful reality burst upon them that the fire had crossed 
the river; that the monster was mowing down their homes like 
grass in a meadow, finding when it was too kite that they could 
reach those who were in peril only by a circuitous route, if at all. 
Every one was in a state of panic, and nothing could be 
learned of the extent of the fire. By some it was said that the 
West Division had been wholly destroyed; others said not. 
Some said that the flames had leaped the river and were then 
burning toward the north; others claimed that the fire had 
burned itself out at the river. 

Edgcumb was in such a painful state of mind from these 
rumors that he determined to reach the North Division without 
a moment’s delay. There was an extreme probability of danger 
threatening his wife and little ones, at any rate, and he must be 
there to render them assistance. All direct ways of reaching it 
had been cut off, including the tunnel. There remained but one 
route open, which would require a walk of at least four or five 
miles, and perhaps farther, all owing to the extent of the burned 
district in the West Division. Holding the tin box securely 
under his arm, he started at a rapid pace for Twelfth street, 
along which he hurried west to the south branch. All the way 
along he encountered an endless train of pedestrians and vehicles. 
The bridge at this point was the only means of communication 
left between the South and West Divisions, hence there was an 
interminable stream pouring over it. It seemed to him as if a 
mighty exodus of all the city’s population were taking place, 
and that all were heading toward Lake Michigan, expecting to 
to see its waters part, making a path for them, as did the 
waters of the Eed Sea for the Israelites. 

Crossing the South Branch, Stanley turned north and walked 
briskly past long rows of smoldering ruins on Canal street. It 
was the early scene of the fire. Across the river was widespread 
desolation ; monstrous piles of dismantled walls, where but a few 
hours before stood magnificent buildings; walls leveled to the 
ground, partly filling their yawning excavations, resembling the 
mouths of craters. Streets which had been familiar to him he was 
now unable to locate. He could see in the distance tremendous 
volumes of smoke rising from the locality which he had just left. 
He could hear tlie tliuuder of the explosions which were still 


THE FIBE. 


219 


being employed to check the progress of the flames. As he 
neared Madison street he could see prodigious clouds of smoke 
suspended over the North Division. More appalling than ever 
then did the magnitude of the conflagration burst upon him. 
The anxiety which had pervaded him, increasing at every step, 
turned at last into consternation as he beheld the North Division 
at the mercy of the flames. 

He had tarried too long amid the scenes of havoc during the 
night and morning to be able to render any assistance to his 
family now. He could not tell yet how far north the fire had 
spread, but he feared the worst. His heart throbbing with 
excitement and his bosom heaving with emotion, he rushed 
frantically forward, with still a lingering hope that the fire had 
not yet overtaken them. He crossed the Kinzie street bridge, 
but found that he could not proceed. Then, recrossing, he ran 
along the North Branch. At Indiana and Erie streets he 
repeated the experiment, with the same result; the fire had 
advanced far beyond those points. Again he continued his 
course along the west bank of the river. Upon reaching Chi- 
cago avenue he found the bridge in flames and nearly consumed. 
The next crossing at Division street was half a mile beyond. 
Nearly overcome with fatigue and excitement, he again hurried 
on, straining every nerve to increase his speed. Upon reaching 
the bridge he encountered a vast throng of fugitives passing over 
it. The fire had not advanced as far north, and a steady stream 
of unfortunates who had lost all save the clothes on their bodies, 
was pouring into the West Division by this only avenue which 
remained open to them. 

Edgcumb anxiously scanned the faces of the fleeing multitude, 
but he saw nothing of Imogen or the children. He crossed the 
bridge and turned south toward the advancing flames, but, 
alas, he was too late; he could not reach his destination. The 
fire had swept away their squalid home, and a mighty wall of 
flames, half a mile beyond, checked his course and drove him 
relentlessly back. He felt his heart sink within him in con- 
templating the fate of his family. Were they buried beneath 
the smoldering debris where the fire had swept so ruthlessly 
upon them, or had they escaped to wander about, homeless and 
friendless? It seemed to him to be the culmination of all the 


220 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


misery and wretchedness which they had endured for so many 
months. His brain became vertiginous from the melancholy 
thoughts which oppressed him, and he could scarcely support 
himself longer upon his feet. Tired, weak, disappointed and 
heart-broken, he was nearly upon the point of collapse. He 
felt strongly tempted to sit down, cover his eyes with his hands, 
and wait for the grim destroyer to come and end it all. The 
box which he still carried dropped to the ground. He glanced 
at it, and was about to give it a kick into the gutter when the 
recollection suddenly came to him of the life which had been 
lost in an effort to save it. Something or other, he knew not 
what, gave him hope; then taking up the box again he stag- 
gered away. The flames were nearly upon him as he turned. 

The scenes which Edgcumb witnessed that day in the 
destruction of nearly four hundred blocks in the North Division 
alone, invites the imagination to a picture of distress unparal- 
leled in history. As a spectacle of awful grandeur the burning 
of the magniflcent quarters of trade in the South Division was 
incomparably the greatest ; but the fire in the North Division 
reached the homes of the people and turned them out to drift, 
destitute of everything, before the merciless waves of the con- 
flagration. They had already seen their places of business go 
down during the night, but a fate was in store for them during 
the day terrible beyond conception. Throughout the entire 
night they had heard the wild tocsins of the fire-bells. They 
had seen an insignificant illumination, far to the southwest, 
increase to such a frightful extent that the stars were paled 
and the heavens lighted as if by noon-tide rays. They heard 
the dismal howling of the winds, bringing with every blast the 
roar of billows of flame. They were filled with anxiety and 
consternation, yet few seemed to comprehend the danger which 
threatened them until the lambent tongues leaped upon the 
very roofs that sheltered them ; then, seizing a bundle of cloth- 
ing, a trunk, or a piece of furniture, they rushed forth, escaping 
by any available avenue. 

In that hour of peril, when society had lost its equilibrium, its 
distinctive lines of caste also melted away. The tears, prayers, 
curses and groans came alike from the rich and poor. Silks 
and rags kept company, side by side, in the motley caravans 


THE FIME. 


221 


that were hurrying away from the fiery tentacles v/hich were 
momentarily reaching farther on, tightening the doomed city in 
its destructive grasp. 

Three miles to the north of the river, between the lake and 
the North Branch, the fire swept on, devouring everything in 
its path. The monster being sated at last, the flames died out. 
What a picture of desolation it left behind as the shadows of 
night closed over the scene! The Destroyer had made his 
bivouac upon the field of devastation, and the red glow of the 
smoldering ruins, like a myriad of camp-fires, chased darkness 
away from the miles of unrecognizable streets, reflecting a 
copper-colored hue against the leaden canopy of clouds, while 
here and there a tottering wall stood like a lone sentinel of the 
night. 

Edgcumb was lost to view in the distracted tide which drifted 
beyond the confines of the burned district. The old cemetery, 
Lincoln Park, and the prairie to the north and northwest were 
teeming with throngs of refugees, and littered with wagons, car- 
riages, carts, trunks, furniture, bedding, pots and kettles, and 
the like, which had been saved and dragged thither from the 
thousands of burning homes. Thus darkness overtook them. 
Hundreds of fires were kindled to relieve the gloom, but it was 
a sorry, homeless, hungry and miserable multitude. 

During the early part of that night there might have been 
observed a dark figure flitting from place to place about this 
hastily improvised camp. It was that of a man, and he appar- 
ently carried something under his arm. He seemed to be anx- 
iously searching for some one. Stopping frequently, he would 
peer into the faces of the unfortunates, and utter but one word — 
“ Imogen/^ and that in a half-murmuring, half-inquiring tone. 
The reader needs not to be told who it was. Edgcumb was still 
seeking for the lost ones, but his search was unrewarded. At 
last, overcome with fatigue and disappointment, after twenty- 
four hours of most thrilling scenes and experiences without food 
or rest, he sank down upon the prairie and fell asleep. 

Morning never dawned upon a scene of greater wretchedness. 
The night had been cold and cheerless. The chilling blasts of 
autumn whistled a dismal dirge among the tottering ruins. 
Occasionally the crash of a falling wall was heard. People with 


222 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


scanty attire, exposed to the cold winds which swept upon them 
from the lake, lay shivering and groaning with only the canopy 
of heaven for a covering. And when daylight came, a deplora- 
ble picture was revealed — Chicago, in all its wealth and mag- 
nificence, had perished. 

It is a question whether the world has ever been so uni- 
versally and all parts so simultaneously shocked. Pompeii, 
buried beneath the eruption of Vesuvius; the destruction 
of Kome, and in later times the conflagration of London 
and the burning of Moscow, were all terrible epochs of 
devastation. But in those days the earth had not been 
girdled by the electric current, and communication was slow, 
consuming days and weeks in the transmission of intelligence 
to cities and nations abroad. In such instances the eflect 
of a catastrophe was localized. We invariably experience a 
greater shock when events are fresh in occurrence. Thus, tele- 
graphy having brought the various nations into a close relation- 
ship, each is now like a great human heart, with sympathetic 
cords reaching out toward the others. Distance has become so 
lessened in consequence that communities which centuries ago 
were seldom heard from in these days are like a neighboring 
State or city, and events of startling importance become world- 
wide and synchronous in knowledge and effect. Chicago, too, 
was cosmopolitan. All nations and climes had contributed to 
her population, and when the tidings were flashed to them that 
she had been stricken down like a fair maiden in the full blush 
of youthful loveliness, that smoldering ruins and blackened 
walls were all that remained of her pristine grandeur, there was 
a mighty shock felt throughout the civilized world. It was 
simultaneous in its effect, and the great chord of human sym- 
pathy was touched as it only can be by such stupendous 
calamities. 


CHAPTER XYIL 

JASPER MORTO^f. 

One morning, about a month after the fire, a large ocean 
steamship slowly approached her anchorage in the Mersey, 
before Liverpool. She had been sighted some distance out and 
preparations were being made to receive her. It was the mail 
steamer from New York, the Siberia. Upon her forecastle deck 
were gathered many passengers, gazing at the marvelous array 
of shipping along the docks. As she came to anchor, the ten- 
der moved alongside, the gang-plank was thrown out and th6 
disembarkation commenced. All the bustle and activity charac- 
teristic of the arrival of a great ocean steamship was to be seen 
upon this occasion ; but we will omit a description and at once 
direct our attention to one of the passengers who arrived by the 
Siberia that morning, and one of the foremost to leave the ship. 
This passenger was a young man of about thirty years of age, 
reserved in manner, and of gentlemanly appearance. His sole 
baggage consisted of a traveling-bag, which he carried in his 
hand. It was evident, as the tender touched the Princess land- 
ing stage and he stepped upon it, that everything was new to 
him, for he stopped a moment and looked about as if consider- 
ing what to do ; but, following the throng, he crossed one of the 
bridges leading to the wharf, and thereupon entered a cab. 

To what part of the city? asked the cabman, as the stran- 
ger seated himself. 

To the London depot, was the reply. 

Which one, sir? 

“ The Northwestern, I believe. 

The door was then closed, and the cab rattled away at a 
lively pace, bringing up in due time at the place which the 
traveler had indicated. He had arrived just in time to catch 
the train for London, and, hurriedly entering the station, 
he purchased a ticket and was soon on his way to the great 

223 


224 


THE DUKE OF AlWANUM. 


metropolis. A few hours of rapid travel aud the train rolled 
into London, stopping at Euston Square station. The stranger 
alighted with his traveling-hag in hand, buttoned his overcoat 
closely, took a bus for Piccadilly and soon found himself 
in the Brunswick, where he registered as Jasper Morton, 
New York, U. S. For several days the stranger kept his 
apartments at the Brunswick, going and coming as he 
pleased. His personal effects became perceptibly augmented, 
increasing in size from a mere traveling-bag to two large trunks 
well filled with all the necessaries which constitute a gentleman’s 
wardrobe. It was observed that he was very quiet in his man- 
ner, having little or nothing to say to the guests at the hotel, 
and spending most of his time during the day in visiting places 
of interest, and in the evening at the theaters of the Strand or 
Drury Lane. 

Jasper Morton, after all, seemed to have some particular 
object in coming to London. It was not an idle curiosity which 
Lad brought him thither, but there was a fixed purpose in his 
mind to do something, and although he made daily trips to dif- 
ferent parts of the city, yet they were frequently of a business 
nature. 

His plans being finally settled, Morton paid his bill at the 
hotel and signified his intention of going to Paris by the Dover 
and Calais route, causing his baggage to be transferred to the 
Canon Street station. But what was most singular he did not 
take his departure for Paris as was supposed, but instead had 
his trunks conveyed to private lodgings in a distant part of the 
city. These lodgings were situated upon a quiet and unpreten- 
tious street and were available to the underground lines of 
travel. They consisted of a suite of three rooms, two of which 
were comfortably furnished, the third being bare and empty. 

For several days after reaching Lis new quarters, Morton 
seemed to be very busy accumulating a store of articles in the 
empty room. Some boards were brought in and a long, shelf-like 
table constructed against the wall. Then a lathe and small 
vise, some hammers, files, pliers, etc., were collected, also 
pieces of brass and spools of what looked like coarse, green 
thread, but which was copper wire of hair-like fineness, hidden 
beneath a covering of silk. Glass jars, pieces of zinc, strips of 


JASrEU MOBTON. 


225 


copper, peculiar little white earthen cups, bottles of chemicals, 
and all such things gave the room an appearance of a little 
workshop or laboratory. One could have scarcely surmised 
after these preparations were completed what he intended to do 
with them. It was evident that he was either going to conduct 
a series of experiments, or construct some sort of machinery, 
but it would have been difficult to say which. There was but 
one man in all the world, besides himself, who could have 
looked upon those preparations, or who could have scanned the 
elaborate drawings as they lay upon the table and have divined 
his intentions. That man was Humphrey Davids, for Jasper 
Morton, of London, was none other than Stanley Edgcumb, of 
Chicago. Thus is explained his object in taking precautionary 
measures at the “ Brunswick, to mislead those who possibly 
might be interested in his detection and transportation to 
America ; it being simply a maneuver to cover up his tracks. 
He knew the uncertainty of a fugitive's career and prepared 
accordingly. He knew Jarmyn^s cleverness from almost disas- 
trous experience, and he feared lest he might renew his search 
and trace him to his hiding place. 

Edgcumb had come to London to perfect his invention, 
secure a patent and dispose of it to the best advantage possible. 
He had imagined that the British metropolis would afford a 
safer retreat and offer greater results than his own country. 
Immediately following the fire, he had found himself with 
plenty of resources, for the tin box contained something over 
fifty thousand dollars. His joy was as boundless as his surprise 
upon making this discovery. He had not thought much about 
the contents of the box until he opened it, for his supposition 
had been that it contained only valuable papers, such as deeds, 
notes or mortgages, which would have been entirely valueless to 
him. This wealth had come upon him at a time when he sorely 
needed it. He did not lose his equilibrium by his sudden stroke 
of good fortune ; far from it. After the first flush of surprise 
he at once settled down to a consideration of plans for the 
future. With all his joy, there was a tinge of sorrow, for his 
first thoughts were of Imogen and the children, his greatest 
desire being that they should receive the benefit of the little 
fortune which the fire had accidently thrust upon him. Ho 
15 


22G THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 

thought of his invention also, and the opportunity which wa^ 
now afforded him to carry it to completion and success. His 
first steps, however, had been to make a thorough search for his 
family. For many days and nights he was unremitting in it, 
seeking among the camps of unfortunates, and throughout that 
portion of the city which the fire had not destroyed, but without 
finding any trace of them. Then he went among the ruins of 
the North Division, and after great difficulty located the site of 
the house which they had occupied. There with his own hands 
he cleared away the charred debris to see if they had perished in 
the flames. His search was long and thorough, but it revealed 
no trace of his loved ones. 

Affairs had begun to assume a more settled aspect in the 
burned city. The military had taken possession and restored 
order. Already there were signs of recuperation, and Edgcumb 
did not think it prudent to remain longer in the locality. Life 
was now doubly precious to him. Much as he desired to find 
his family, yet he knew that it were better for all that he should 
not be too venturesome in their behalf. He had fully decided 
that as soon as he had found them, and had made them com- 
fortable, he would go to London and perfect his invention. 
After a fruitless search of nearly a month he decided to go 
without further delay ; to make his stay as brief as possible, 
and upon his return renew the search. He felt sure that 
Imogen, if alive, would remain in Chicago in the belief that he 
would eventually find her. He was also certain that she felt 
that he would make every effort possible in their behalf, and 
that she was confident that his efforts would ultimately be 
successful. 

There were no preparations to be made for the voyage. 
Edgcumb merely purchased a valise, put his money inside, 
walked to a small town some miles distant, and took a train 
for New York. There he provided himself with better raiment, 
obtained a letter of credit with a London banking house, and 
sailed for Liverpool on the Siberia. 

After having completed his arrangements in the little work- 
shop in the rear of his sleeping room, Jasper Morton, as we shall 
now call him, set himself busily to work at the construction of 
his instrument. He first prepared models in wood for the cast- 


JASPEE M GET ON. 


227 


ings which he required, taking them to brass foundries and 
machine shops to have their counterparts rough-shaped for 
convenience. Then with his own lathe, files and drills, he 
dressed them down to sizes and shapes to suit. Some of the 
more intricate parts of the machinery, such as cogged wheels 
or finely tempered springs, he procured from a specialist, who 
executed orders in such kinds of work. Everything progressed 
satisfactorily, and he watched the growth of his instrument 
with the utmost satisfaction. Not a day passed without some 
part being added, though merely a screw, and the various 
parts were made to fit each other with the nicety and perfec- 
tion of a master hand. With lime he softened the iron for the 
bars of his magnets, and with a small reel, which he con- 
structed himself, he wound the fine silk- covered wire upon them. 

Morton became so absorbed in his work that he found but 
little time or inclination for pleasure. Occasionally he would 
enjoy a relaxation from his duties for a few hours ; but during 
all of his excursions, his mind was more or less occupied with 
some intricate problem connected with his invention; and not 
infrequently did he return with a new idea which had suddenly 
occurred to him, and which had seemingly been inspired by the 
freshness and novelty of his surroundings. 

Fully three months elapsed ere the instrument was completed. 
There it stood upon the table, a thing of beauty and of marvel- 
ous ingenuity. The inventor gazed upon the result of his labors 
with a self-satisfied air. Every part was then carefully examined. 
With a large key he wound up the heavy iron weight depending 
beneath the table. The sharp click of the ratchet was like 
music to his ears. Then, with his index finger, he moved the 
small lever which set the wheels in motion, producing a dull, 
buzzing sound like the distant hum of a planing mill, and, draw- 
ing a narrow blue-paper ribbon between two revolving rollers, 
upon which numerous little points were striking, each leaving 
a character which was intelligible to him. The instrument was 
finished to all appearances, but its success was yet to be demon- 
strated. The preparations for the experiment began. With 
jars of chemicals, and with copper and zinc, he constructed a 
battery. Many coils of fine wire, representing hundreds of 
miles in their resistance, were connected together, and wires 


228 


THE DUKE OF AKCANUM. 


were ruu in all directions, so that the interior of the room 
resembled a great spider-web, with the instrument as its center, 
or converging point of its strands. The supreme moment of 
anxiety came. Would it work or not? He almost dreaded to 
connect the battery and make the test. As he raised his hand, 
with a wire between his thumb and finger to insert it in the 
screwcup, his hand trembled perceptibly. What inventor has 
not experienced that same anxiety and nervousness at the 
critical moment when the embryo takes life— that anxiety to 
know whether it will become a creature of perfection or'de- 
formity ? It is a moment of supreme suspense, when hopes and 
fears struggle for supremacy, with the knowledge of uncertainty 
before them; when aspirations soar and success seems imminent; 
yet realizing, as they do, how slender the thread that sustains 
them; they well understand that if it fails to support their 
theoretical fancies when the test is applied, their hopes must 
melt away hke dewdrops in the sun. That Morton experienced 
all of these sensations none will doubt. It was the ambition of 
his life to achieve success. He had never doubted that he should 
until that moment came, and with it a realization that it could 
no longer remain a thing of fancy, but that the invention must 
stand upon its merits, or fall from the weight of its imperfections, 
then he almost shrank from the ordeal. 

Morton was anxious, but he was not the man to flinch. He 
hoped for the best, and connected the wires. The instrurnent 
was given a thorough test, but it would not work. He exam- 
ined all of its parts carefully, but it seemed to bo a failure, and 
he sank down in his chair with his face flushed and disappoint- 
ment marked upon every feature. At length he fell into a deep 
meditation, and reviewed in his mind all the scientific principles 
involved in the matter. Still confident of the correctness of his 
theories he began at once a systematic search for the delinquent 
functions of the machinery. Then, for a period of many weeks, 
ho tinkered and experimented, but the instrument was contrary 
and would not work. The result of all this was that his mind 
became so harassed by constant thought and application that 
he could not sleep, and he felt that he was almost on the verge 
of distraction. Added to this came the reflection of his long 
absence from Imogen, and the fear that some misfortune had 


JASJPEE MOBTON. 


229 


overtaken her. His state of perplexity and anxiety was such 
that he was utterly unfitted for work, and, locking his apart- 
ments, he went to Paris. Upon his arrival there he gave him- 
self up entirely to recreation, determined to banish the invention 
from his thoughts. 

Paris had many attractions for Morton, and among others the 
Louvre. Many hours were spent in inspecting its art treasures. 
It was a rare enjoyment to him, and as he looked with enrap- 
tured interest upon the paintings, the poePs verse came involun- 
tarily to his lips : 

“ Images that can speak without a sound.” 

^‘Yes,^^he soliloquized, and with what marvelous tongues 
they speak. A mere glance conveys impressions to the mind, 
and tells a story to the soul such as would require volumes to 
describe. Then, in others he thought he saw familiar faces. 
One, especially , so attracted him by its likeness to his wife that 
he frequently stood before it for a considerable time, gazing into 
the dark eyes that looked softly down at him. Sometimes he 
fancied that he could almost win a smile of recognition from it. 

It was during an afternoon while standing before this picture, 
thinking of his loved ones far away, that a singular circum- 
stance occurred. He had been thinking of their wretchedness 
and the great fire through which he had lost all trace of them. 
Finally his thoughts led up to his experience in London, and 
the months he had wasted in working upon his instrument. It 
was the first time in several days that he had permitted a 
thought of the kind to disturb him, so successful had he been in 
diverting his mind from the harassing subject. His eyes had 
wandered to the floor, but he soon lifted them again to the 
beautiful face, and as he did so an idea flashed unaccountably 
upon his mind. It was the one which he had sought for so long 
and fruitlessly, which had baffled his skill and ingenuity, and 
had nearly distracted his mind in an endeavor to find. It 
seemed to come to him spontaneously, without an effort, as a 
revelation, or an inspiration. He fancied, too, that at the 
moment of the occurrence the image smiled upon him. There 
appeared to be a sudden transformation in himself and his sur- 
roundings. He felt a singular bony ancy of spirits; the atmos- 
phere seemed lighter; the marble hall whithin which he stood 


230 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


assumed an unaccountable cheerfulness. There seemed to be 
an animation, even in the figures and scenes suspended from the 
walls, and canvases, whose pigments had become faded and 
dull with the lapse of centuries, seemed revivified with pristine 
hue and coloring. The vision of a desolate home and famishing 
children dissolved into mist, out of which arose one of happi- 
ness and joy. 

Eecovering at length from these sensations, Morton cast a 
farewell glance at the beautiful face which had produced such a 
spell, then turned to leave. But as he passed through the door 
he involuntarily looked again. The eyes of the divinity were 
still fastened upon him. That same night he returned to 
London. He had been absent a month. Upon his arrival he 
found his apartments undisturbed, as he had left them, but he 
thought the place looked more cheerful, though, than when he 
left. At any rate, he was in better spirits, refreshed and ready 
for his work. 

The instrument required considerable changing and remodel- 
ing to meet the new idea which he had so mysteriously con- 
ceived, but he went at it with a light heart, and in a month^s 
time it was again ready for the test. He had a firm conviction 
that he was not to be disappointed a second time, or, in other 
words, he had a presentiment of success. Ever and anon the 
fair face of the Louvre appeared smilingly before him to spur 
him on. He felt no hesitation or trepidation now in making the 
connections. The last spasmodic throe was over; the infant 
breathed, and success was assured ; indeed, it was even beyond 
his expectations. After experimenting a few hours he ascer- 
tained that he could produce a rate of transmission equal to two 
thousand words a minute. He was happy now tliat he had 
brought the creature to such perfection, clothed it with the 
habiliments of success, and christened it with the name of 

invention ; for he argued : “ A thing does not become an 
invention until its successful working or application has been 
demonstrated. The mind may be ever so ingenious in conceiv- 
ing theories, or in forming shapes and models of unusual orig- 
inality, but they do not become inventions until they have proved 
a certain utility or adaptability in the industrial economy of the 
world. 


JASPER MORTON. 


231 


The next step was to put the invention in such shape as to 
realize a fortune from it ; hut Morton desired to first give it a 
thorough test upon the telegraph lines of England. Going to 
St. Martins, La Grande, where the central telegraph office was 
located, he sought an interview with the Director, hut was not 
successful in obtaining permission to try his instrument upon 
the wires. Considering that the obstacle which stood in the 
way could, perhaps, be overcome by bringing some influence to 
bear upon the matter, he then sought his bankers in Lombard 
street, where he had kept a large credit since his arrival in Lon- 
don. Soliciting an interview with the bankers, he was shown 
into their private office, a small room richly furnished, in the 
rear of the large banking room itself. There were but two per- 
sons present, each occupying separate desks. Both were middle- 
aged men of reserved and dignified appearance, who, he was 
informed, were the proprietors of the bank — Messrs. Throck- 
morton and Floyd. There was an air of exclusiveness pervad- 
ing the surroundings which forced a feeling of restraint upon the 
visitor who, with hat in hand, approached the nearest desk 
respectfully, but without much confidence in the success of his 
errand. The banker was engaged in writing, and Morton 
waited at his side a moment, not caring to interrupt him. 
Very soon he recognized his presence by looking up with an 
inquiring air, as much as to say, what is your business, sir ? 

“ Who have I the honor of addressing, Mr. Throckmorton, or 
Mr. Floyd ? inquired Morton. 

Throckmorton,^^ came the prompt reply, in a ready, business 
way. “ What do you desire, sir? 

“lam Jasper Morton, of America, and have had a credit of 
some ten thousand pounds in your office for nearly a year. I 
have come to you on a personal matter, sir. I do not know as 
you will feel very much interested in what I have to say j but I 
am an utter stranger in England, and I greatly desire your 
counsel and advice. When you have a spare moment, I should 
feel greatly honored by your attention. 

“ I am at leisure now. I will listen to you; be as brief as 
possible, sir.^’ 

I will pot occupy your time and attention any longer than is 


232 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


necessary to acquaint you ^ith the facts. If it grows tedious 
you can terminate the interview.^’ 

The banker nodded assent and Morton continued: 

“ I came to London from New York last November with a 
letter of credit upon your office. My object in coming here was 
twofold. I wished to visit England and the continent, and 1 
had an invention in mind which I desired to bring to perfec- 
tion here, thinking that London would be the best place for its 
disposal.’^ 

“An invention, you say; the Yankees are very prolific in 
that line. It isnT. a machine for turning out wooden nutmegs, 
is it? 

The banker wore an amused look upon his features as he 
indulged in this remark. The thought of a young man coming 
to London with an invention struck him as being about as 
ridiculous as a jockey going to the Derby with a wooden horse. 
He considered that the invention would be about as likely to 
meet with success as the jockey to win the races.. He did not 
express these thoughts, however, but merely smiled at Moidoifis 
statement. 

“ Yes ; the Yankees are a nation of geniuses. They can invent 
anything, from a wooden nutmeg to a flying machine. The 
world would still be in its swaddling clothes, were it not for the 
Morses, Fultons, Whitneys and Howes which we have produced. 
But, sir, in speaking of my own invention, with all due sense of 
modesty, I must assert that I have conceived and carried to 
perfection an invention which will prove to be of great utility. 
It is a system of automatic telegraphy. 

Throckmorton looked up somewhat surprised, while Floyd, 
who had been an uninterested listener to the conversation, 
wheeled abruptly around in his chair and looked fixedly at the 
speaker over the rim of his eye-glasses. Morton bowed politely 
to him. 

“ An automatic telegraph, you say?^^ inquired Banker Floyd. 
“ Well, telegraphy offers a boundless field for invention, surely. 
I believe its development is yet in its infancy. 

“ Yes/^ put in Throckmorton, “ now Floyd can talk with you 
more intelligently upon that topic than I can. He is pretty well 


JASPER MORTON. 2:53 

informed on such matters, besides being interested in some 
colonial telegraph schemes. 

“ Well, I am glad to be so fortunate in having one who is 
familiar with such matters to whom I can explain my invention. 
Yes, it is an automatic system of telegraphy, and capable of 
transmitting two thousand words a minute. 

“ Well, that seems incredible ; you make the thing talk pretty 
lively, I should say. I believe the present system only averages 
some twenty-five or thirty words a minute. How do you 
accomplish such results 

“ Simply turn a lever, as the driver of a locomotive. 

“ And away she goes, eh?’^ 

Yes; the message, not the machine.’^ 

“ You must be something of a wizard. 

“No; not at all. I have never laid claims to supernatural 
powers. 

“ Well, sir, I can^t conceive how such a thing is possible. I 
should like to see it. 

“ And I should like to have you, and your partner also, Mv. 
Tiirockmorton.^^ 

“ Your business with us is to have us assist you in disposing 
of itf inquired the latter. “It is hardly in our line.^^ 

“ No; that was not my object in coming here. As I told 
you, I am a stranger in London. I have completed my instru- 
ment and have made all tests possible on a small scale. I 
am desirous of testing it in the central office at St. Martin’s, 
La Grande. I have been refused permission by the Director, 
and have sought you, hoping to obtain your intfluence in my 
behalf.” 

“ Well, Floyd, the Director is an acquaintance of yours, is he 
not? ” asked Throckmorton. 

“ Yes, and I presume I can assist the young man in that 
direction.” 

“ In that case I should feel under many obligations, ” said 
Morton. 

“ But I should first like to see the wonder. Have you applied 
for letters-patent ? ” 

“ I have not, but intend to do so immediately after giving it a 
thorough test,” 


234 


TITF nUKF OF ABCAJSfUM. 


“ Then perhaps yon would object to niy seeing it until you 
hnve taken such precautionary measures'? 

“ 1 have not the least objection. I extend an invitation to 
you both to come and see it whenever convenient.^’ 

“ What locality"? ” asked Floyd. 

“ Clapham.” 

“When can we go, Throckmorton"? ” asked Banker Floyd. 

“To-morrow afternoon, say four o’clock,” replied Throck- 
morton. 

“ Very well, you may expect us at that hour. Leave your 
address with us,” and the junior partner swung around to his 
desk. 

Morton complied, thanked the gentlemen and bade them 
good-day. 

The next morning Morton set about putting everything in 
order for the bankers’ reception in the little workshop. He 
cleaned up the accumulation of scraps and filings, and arranged 
the bottles of chemicals upon the shelf. The table was cleared 
and the tools put in their proper places. The windows were 
cleaned and their bareness relieved by some neat-looking cur- 
tains. The cobwebs were swept down from the corners of the 
room, and, lastly, three or four comfortable- looking chairs were 
brought in. 

That afternoon, at precisely four o’clock, a cab stopped 
before the house, and Messrs. Throckmorton and Floyd 
alighted. Morton was waiting to receive them, and without 
ceremony conducted them to the workshop. 

“ It has an industrious appearance here, ” said Throckmorton 
as they entered the room. 

“ Decidedly,” replied his partner. 

“ Well, it has been a pretty busy place for several months, I 
assure you, gentlemen,” said Morton. “ You see I chose this 
locality, not for a matter of economy, but for the sake of having 
a quiet place where I should be undisturbed in my work. ” 

“ That was a most sensible idea, sir,’’ said Throckmorton. 

Morton then began to show them the mysteries of his inven- 
tion, explaining every part as he went along. To Throck- 
morton, all the scientific terms and phrases were eminently 
intelligible. He could see the phenomenal results, but he could 


JASPEB MOBTON. 


235 


not comprehend how they were obtained. But Floyd seemed to 
have a clear perception and understanding of everything, even 
to technicalities, abstruse ideas and scientific nomenclature. 

As the examination progressed every new point which was 
explained, or term which the inventor used, caused Throck- 
morton to turn to his partner and ask: Is that clear to you 
Barney ? Do you understand it all? 

Perfectly, William, perfectly. IPs a remarkable invention.'^ 

When the investigation was over Banker Floyd expressed 
himself as being pleased and surprised at what he had seen. 

I came here, sir, with many doubts in my mind, but they 
have all been removed. I esteem it a wonderful invention, and 
I shall be happy to render you any assistance I can 

“ And I, too,^^ interrupted Throckmorton. Pll indorse any- 
thing that Floyd does. If he says a thing is all right I’m 
pretty sure that it is. ” 

I was going to say,” Floyd remarked, that if you will call 
at our office to-morrow I will provide you with a letter to the 
Director of Telegraphs which will enable you, I think, to make 
your tests. ” 

And you will hear from me further,” said Throckmorton. 

Morton expressed thanks, and the bankers re-entered their 
cab and drove away. 

The following day Morton called at Lombard street and 
received the letter, which he soon after presented at St. Martin’s, 
La Grande. The letter secured all the privileges which he 
desired, and in a short time his instrument was produced and 
connected with the wires. The test was thorough and careful, 
but he could discover n3 imperfections. The next step was to 
construct a model for the Patent Bureau. This occasioned 
some delay, but the work was taken to machine shops and 
pushed rapidly along. 

In the meantime the bankers were not idle. The Marquis of 
Follansbee was then one of the most noted men in London. 
The success of his speculations on the Stock Exchange had 
attracted great attention. Few pretended to estimate the size 
of his fortune, but he was thought to be one of the richest men 
in London. He was a man of keen perception and great bold- 
ness in business transactions. He possessed the faculty of see- 


23G 


THE EtIKE OF AECAEUM. 

ing through a business venture almost at a single glance. The 
Marquis was a great favorite at the Lombard street banking 
house, and it was even supposed that he held a considerable 
interest in the firm. The bankers had informed him of the 
wonderful invention ; of their personal examination and conse- 
quent astonishment at what they had seen; how, through their 
influence he had been permitted to test it thoroughly at St. 
Martin’s, La Grande, and of its marvelous perfection. The Mar- 
quis, becoming interested in the story, immediately consulted 
experts upon the subject, and was informed that, if such an 
instrument could be made to work successfully, it would bo 
worth a fabulous sum. Throckmorton and Floyd suggested 
that it would be a clever speculation for him. 

In a tew days Morton received a note from the bankers 
requesting him to meet the Marquis of Follansbee in Lombard 
street. Presenting himself at the appointed time, he was 
ushered into their private office. With becoming urbanity, 
Throckmorton presented him to the Marquis, who was unusu- 
ally condescending in his manner. After a few minutes of com- 
monplace talk, the banker introduced the subject of the inter- 
view by saying: '‘Mr. Morton, T stated, upon leaving your 
rooms, a few days ago, that you would hear further from me. 
The Marquis here is a particular friend of ours, and I have 
invited you here to meet him. He is a man of large capital 
and great enterprise, and it occurred to me that, if you could 
get together, it might result in a mutual benefit.” 

J^Iurton expressed thanks for his consideration, then replied : 
" I have often heard of the Marquis, even in my own country.” 

The Marquis smiled and bowed an acknowledgment, then 
happily said : " And I have heard of your automatic system of 
telegraphy. ” 

" It’s renown is encompassed by the four walls of this room,” 
answered Morton, laconically. 

" So much the better for all concerned, ” suggested Banker 
Floyd. 

" What do you expect to do with your invention ? ” asked the 
Marquis. 

" I suppose that I am like all other inventors, open lor a deal. ” 

" You have not yet secured letters-patent 1? ” 


JASPEJR MORTON. 287 

No, sir. I am now constructing a model to accompany the 
papers. 

“ Have you any doubts of securing them ? 

“ None whatever. Why should I? It is wholly unlike any- 
thing in existence. 

What do you claim for it? 

“ That it economizes time and expense and increases the 
capacity of a wire a hundredfold. 

You have thoroughly tested it, have you ? 

Yes; upon the government lines. 

Do you wish to sell outright or maintain an interest ? 

I wish to dispose of my interest entire and return to 
America. 

Have you made application for a patent in the United States, 
or in any other country ? 

I have not.^^ 

“Was this machine invented and constructed in England? 

“ The general ideas were conceived in America, but they were 
worked out in London.’^ 

“ Now, sir, what figures do you name for your right, title and 
interest in this and all other countries in the event of your re- 
ceiving letters-patent in England? 

“ There are many things to be considered before answering- 
such a direct question. 

“ But you have undoubtedly placed a value upon it in your 
own mind. 

“ So I have, but 

“ Then have no hesitation in naming it, pressed the Marquis. 

“ I have no hesitation whatever. 1 was merely about to 
remark that our ideas may be considerably at variance. I know, 
sir, the practical value of such an instrument the same as you 
know the speculative or intrinsic value of stocks, bonds and 
debentures at the Stock Exchange. I will mention a sum which 
1 think is within the bounds of reason, and which would be but 
a fair remuneration for all the rights conceded. It is one hun- 
dred thousand pounds. 

The Marquis knit his brows and endeavored to look incred- 
ulous, but, knowing the shrewdness of the man, Morton appeared 


238 THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 

wholly indifferent of the manner in which the announcement 
was received. 

Too much, too much,’^ muttered the Marquis, as he played 
with the fob of his watch chain, looking carelessly the while at 
the floor. 

Throckmorton and Floyd were silent. They seemed inclined 
to think that the inventor and the Marquis were the best judges 
of their own affairs, so like true business men they had nothing 
to say. A painful silence followed, and it seemed as if each had 
purposely resorted to such tjictics to draw the other out. The 
Marquis was the first to speak : 

That is a great deal of money, sir. One hundred thousand 
pounds ! Nearly half a million dollars in American money. 

“A mere bagatelle to a man of your resources, answered 
Morton, flippantly. 

The Marquis smiled, for the remark touched his vanity. 
Then looking straight into Morton’s eyes for an instant, as if 
casting for the depths of his sincerity, he said : “ My friend, I 

am going to make you a liberal offer. It is a much greater sum 
than inventors usually realize from their inventions. You are 
almost unknown in London, and it has been most fortunate for 
you that you have secured the friendship of these gentlemen, 
for it is a difficult matter for a stranger coming here to do any- 
thing with the product of his talents, be it ever so valuable. He 
is more likely to fall into the hand of sharpers who will discour- 
age him in every possible manner, until at last they get posses- 
sion of his invention and turn it to their own account. You 
know it is a saying the world over that inventors seldom reap a 
merited reward for their ingenuity. There are, of course, some 
exceptions to this rule, and I trust that yours will prove one of 
them. I am prepared to offer you sixty thousand pounds. ” 

“I appreciate the fact which you have stated,” replied 
Morton. “ In most cases they are applicable. I also thank the 
gentlemen referred to for their many acts of kindness; but I 
am not dependent upon the success of this invention, as I have 
a competency without. ” 

“ Yes, yes,” said Throckmorton, the gentleman has a credit 
of ten thousand pounds with us.” 

The Marquis looked surprised. He had miscalculated for 


tASPBB MOBTOB. 239 

once, as he had supposed that Morton was a typical inventor — 
one who has to beg, borrow or sell. 

continued Morton, ‘^1 cannot accept your offer. 
Under other circumstances sixty thousand pounds would be a 
great inducement, but in my case it is not. 

The Marquis looked blank for a moment, while Throckmorton 
and Floyd twitched nervously in their chairs. 

“Well,^^ said the Marquis, in a deferential manner, the 
gentleman is fortunate in not being at the mercy of necessity. 

“ I have fixed upon one hundred thousand pounds because I 
feel that it is but a moderate compensation for all my rights and 
interest, replied Morton. I still maintain that figure — one 
hundred thousand pounds, not one farthing less.^’ 

The Marquis now began to see the stuff which he had to deal 
with. 

“ For that amount you will assign and make over all of your 
rights, title and interest in all parts of the world You will 
give a contract to do this as soon as you receive letters-patent 
in England 

“ I will agree to do so for the consideration named. 

And you will first accord me the privilege of making a 
thorough examination of the invention with the aid of experts 
whom 1 may chooser^ 

“ Certainly, sir; and you may suit your own convenience.^' 
Upon this understanding, then, I will close the deal at your 
own price and make the examination to-morrow." 

As the Marquis finished he arose, and, with a haughty wave 
of the hand, wished them good-day. Morton lingered but a 
moment, to receive the congratulations of the bankers, and then 
left for a barrister's office at Temple Bar. 


CHAPTER XVllL 

RETURNING PROSPERITY. 

The few weeks which intervened between the night of licr 
husband’s escape and the great fire which swept away what lit- 
tle remained to them Imogen was in a trembling state of anx- 
iety, being beset with constant fears for her husband’s safety. 
Those fears were now manyfold greater than before the trial, 
for then there was some hope of an acquittal. But now, were 
he retaken there would be none. And what danger there was 
of such an eveutuation ! She fancied that she could see him 
prowling about at night, eluding the officers by dodging hither 
and thither, and keeping closely under cover by day, pinched 
by hunger and looked upon with suspicion by all who met him. 
“ Oh, if I could only fiy to him ! ” she thought; then her dark 
eyes would fill with tears. 

The children, however, were unconscious of their mother’s 
troubles. Their father had been absent so long that he was not 
missed by them now. While playing on the floor Paget would 
sometimes look up and see a tear on her mother’s cheek; then 
she would come and put her little arm about her neck and kiss 
it away. But she did not know the sufiering that chased it 
from its lachrymal depths. 

After some weeks had passed, and she had heard nothing 
from Stanley, Imogen began to think that he had sought safety 
in some distant retreat. But then she remembered what he had 
said to her : I shall always be somewhere near you, and see 

you when you least expect it.” Nevertheless, she thought it 
probable that he had later seen the folly of remaining in a local- 
ity where his life was in constant peril, and had found a refuge 
elsewhere. Thus she wept, hoped and prayed, until the fire 
came. In the midst of that tumult and excitement she waited 
until the flames were fairly upon them, thoroughly beside her- 
self with anxiety and apprehcusion. Then, tying up a bundle 

240 


nJ^TtlBNING PEOSPEBITY. 


241 


of clothing selected from their scanty wardrobe, she cast it upon 
her shoulders, and with Paget and Geryl clinging to her skirts 
made her way across the Chicago avenue bridge just before its 
destruction. She found, upon advancing, that the West Divis- 
ion had not suffered extensively from the fire. Then she thought 
of Mrs. Tiernan, and wondered if it were not possible that she 
had escaped the general calamity. She determined to ascer- 
tain, for she knew that if the good woman was undisturbed she 
could find a temporary shelter with her. After a tiresome effort 
she reached the place and found Mrs. Tiernan safe in the 
unburned district of the West Division. 

The story of destitution which went forth from the ill-fated 
city loosened the purse-strings of the civilized world, and sym- 
pathetic ofierings were poured out amid her charred ruins and 
scenes of desolation. Mankind needed no touching appeals from 
those suffering thousands to stir those acts of charity. They 
were spontaneous everywhere, and the stream of human kind- 
ness which flowed in seemed as inexhaustible as the fountain 
springs of a mighty river among the rocks and gorges of the 
mountains. Imogen was one whom these merciful contributions 
reached. Applying to the Relief Board for assistance she 
received a few necessary articles for housekeeping, and a quan- 
tity of provisions. It being impossible to procure a room to live 
in, except at an exorbitant rent, the good old laundress prof- 
fered her the use of one of her own until she could do better. 
This she gladly accepted, and, fixing it up with the few useful 
arthdes which she received from the Relief Board, they were 
quite comfortable again. As soon as she was settled she began 
to look about for something to do which would enable her to 
gain a subsistence for her little family. There was no lack of 
sewing, as nearly everybody had suffered a depletion of ward- 
robe, and she soon found herself with so much needlework on 
hand that she was compelled frequently to sit up until the small 
hours of the morning to keep pace v>dth the accumulation. 
Paget and Geryl were each provided with a new dress and a pair 
of shoes, and all felt happier than for many months. 

One evening, a few days after Imogen had taken up her 
abode with Mrs. Tiernan, she stood by the little stove preparing 
supper. The children were chasing each other round and round 

j6 


242 


DUKE OE AROAEUM. 


the table in a boisterous frolic. The meat in the frying-pan was 
sizzling and sputtering over the fire, the tea-kettle hiinnning, 
and altogether there was such a confusion that Imogen did not 
hear any sounds in the adjoining room, although she knew it 
was the hour when Mrs. Tiernan came home from her day^s 
work. While in the midst of her preparations she heard a 
rap at the door, and immediately bade her to enter. The 
door opened and the old woman wearily responded to the 
invitation. 

Oh, you are home at last, I see. I had not heard any noise 
in your room, and I thought you had not returned. You look 
tired, Mrs. Tiernan. Sit down and have some supper with us. 
I can give you a nice cup of tea and some fried meat.^^ 

It smells very foine, ma^am, but Td not be afther throublin’ 
^ye, me dear. Ye’ve all ye can tind to widout meself. ” 

It’s no trouble at all; we have plenty to eat, and you can 
help me wash the dishes if you like. That will save you making 
a lire. I know you are very tired.” 

Mrs. Tiernan sank into a chair by the tire, rubbing her hands 
and holding them close to the stove. She did not appear to be 
as talkative as usual and seemed to have something on her 
mind. 

“ Are you ill, Mrs. Tiernan ? ” Imogen asked. 

“ No, ma’am ; but it’s a quare thing Oi was thinkin’ of? ” 

“ A queer thing, you say ? Does it trouble your mind? ” 
“No, no, not at all, ma’am ; but didn’t ye tell me that the 
officers said yer husband had dhrowned hisself in the lake? ” 
Imogen started at this sudden and unexpected allusion to Stan- 
ley, and looked at the woman in amazement : “ Why, yes ; cer- 
tainly they did, and they brought me his clothes, with a farewell 
letter pinned to them, which they found on the beach. I saved 
them from the fire and brought them here with me.” 

“ D’ye think, ma’am, if he intindid for sartin to kill hisself by 
dhr ownin’ he wud hev tuk off all his clothes ? ” 

“ I don’t think he did take them all off. They only found his 
coat, vest and hat.” 

“Ah, indade! Well, if yer husband be did or alive, Oi’m 
sartin Oi seed ’im this mornin’. ” 


BETUBNING PBOSPEBITY. 243 

“ Saw my husband to-day ! gasped Imogen. Why, what 
do you mean ? 

“ Yes, Oi seed ^im, and if it want dm in the mate it was in the 
spherit, share. He seemed to know me, an^ act loike as if he 
didn^t want me to see hm, for he dodged away an^ was out o’ me 
soight before Oi could git me wits about meself.” 

“ Impossible ! Mrs. Tiernan, you must have seen some one 
else who looked like him.’’ 

“ Oh, no, no, no ; but it was Misther Edgcumh, as shure as me 
name is Bridget Tiernan.” 

“ But I don’t think you would know him.” 

“ Och, indade Oi wud. It’s ’im Oi’ve seen many a toime when 
Oi done the washin’ in the good ould days before the police kem 
an’ tuk ’im away.” 

“ But Mrs. Tiernan, that was a long time ago. Indeed, it 
seems a very long time to me. Poor boy ! But if he were alive 
you would not know him now. His long imprisonment changed 
him very much. Come, sit down and I will serve the supper, 
and you can tell me all about it.” 

Mrs. Tiernan was only too glad to accept the invitation. The 
supper smelled so good that a refusal was quite impossible in her 
tired and hungry condition, so she drew her chair to the table, 
while Imogen seated Paget and Greryl. The food being served, 
and the tea poured, the conversation was renewed. 

“ But you haven’t told me where you saw this counterpart of 
my husband ? ” 

“ When Oi was on me way to Mrs. Hawley’s to wash for the 
lady this mornin’.” Then, after taking a sip from the cup 
which she held to her lips, Mrs. Tiernan added : Oi’m shure, 
dear, Oi don’t remember the sthrait.” 

How did he look, and how was he dressed ? ” 

“ Very gentlemanly, ma’am, in a dark suit. He looked loike 
he used to before the throuble was come to yez. ” 

“ Well, Mrs. Tiernan, you don’t think my good and innocent 
husband, if he were living would have kept away from me all 
this time without letting me know a word concerning himself, 
do you ? ” 

“ Oh, ma’am, but he moight hev been away, and when h( 


244 


THE DUKE OF AECAEVM. 


lieai d of tbe great foire that has mint so many people, he hem 
back to sarch for yez. ” 

But he would be running a great risk in doing so.^^ 

“ An^ it’s a brave man he is, ma’am.” 

“ Well, it is strange, and you seem so confident of it, but T 
should have to see him face to face to believe that it was 
Stanley. You washed at Mrs. Hawley’s to-day, did you? ” 

“ Y"es, ma’am.” 

She is the buttonhole-maker that I have heard you speak 
of? ” 

“ Yes, ma’am ; Oi’ve talked to her so much about yez and 
the little tots that she says she’s kemin down to see yez. Oh, 
she’s a foine lady ; ye’d think a hape o’ her Oi know. She earns 
eighteen dollar a wake, ma’am, think o’ that.” 

“ She must be smart. Does she earn that amount making 
buttonholes alone? ” 

“ Oh, yes, ma’am ; that’s a great trade, you know. Ye niver saw 
an} thing loike the way she makes ’em — so illigant and parfect ; 
ivery stitch jist aloike, and so fast too. Why, ma’am, before the 
foire the great sthores’ down town sint her the most illigant 
robes to hev the buttonholes worked, because the dressmakers 
couldn’t make ’em. It’s a regular trade loike washin’ an’ oirnin’, 
only it’s more ’ristocratic, ma’am. ” 

Imogen, smiling at Mrs. Tiernan’s remarks, replied : “ I wish 
I had some ingenuity. If I could only exchange my musical 
talent for some substantial profession like that I should like it. 
I have not touched a piano or guitar in so long I have forgotten 
what I knew. Has Mrs. Hawley a piano? ” 

“ Oh, yes, a foine one, ma’am.” 

Does she play? ” 

“ Only a trifle, and when Oi told her of yer music lamin’ she 
said she must kem an’ see yez.” 

Perhaps we can exchange music for buttonholes, and button- 
holes for music.” 

Oi think she wud be very glad to, ma’am, and its a sinsible 
one for yez. Eighteen dollar a wake wud be a great lift to yez — 
I’ll hev another cup o’ tay if ye plase, ma’am. ” 

Certainly,” said Imogen, taking the cup which was passed 


lliJTUmiJSlG PBOSPJSBITT. 243 

to her. When I can make eighteen dollars a week you will 
come and live with me, won’t you ? ” 

“ Oh; ye hev yer hands full wid out me, darlint.” 

But you could take care of the house and the children 
while I made buttonholes, then Imogen hurst into laughter, 
in which she was joined by the washwoman. The cbildreu, 
catching the infection, also laughed and clapped their hands. 

The meal being finished, Mrs. Tiernan assisted Imogen in 
clearing up the table, and washing the dishes, after which she 
retired to her own room. Then the children were put to bed 
and Imogen was again alone with her thoughts and needlework. 
The subject of her thoughts, it may be readily imagined, was 
the strange story Mrs. Tiernan had told her in regard to her 
husband. She did not doubt its correctness in the least, and it 
was pleasant to think that Stanley was searching for them, as 
Mrs. Tiernan had suggested. But how would he ever find 
them ? She must devise some means of making her location 
known to him, and, further, she must also search for him. The 
work lay in her lap almost neglected. Now and then she would 
take a few stitches, but becoming so absorbed with her 
thoughts, they gradually grew less and less frequent, and finally 
ceased altogether. It troubled her exceedingly to think that 
Stanley was so near and yet knew not where to find them. She 
would not dare to inquire for him, nor he for her. Perhaps in 
his search he had even passed her door. But she knew his per- 
severance, and this gave her hope that he would yet find them. 
It was the only hope she had, and a slim one at that, for it 
seemed now that only a chance wind could drive their barks 
together again. 

For the few succeeding weeks before winter came, when the 
weather would permit, Paget and Geryl were allowed to play 
much of the time on the walk before the house, it being thought 
possible that Stanley might pass and recognize them. Moreover 
Imogen went daily for a long walk herself, and invariably upon 
different streets, making up for the loss of time by toiling later 
at night, but she saw nothing of him. 

A few days after the conversation at the supper table between 
Imogen and Mrs. Tiernan, Mrs. Hawley called upon the former. 
As she seated herself in one of the cheap, uncomfortable chairs 


246 


THE DUKE OF AUGANXIM. 


in the one little room which constituted parlor, sitting-room, 
dining-room, kitchen and hcd-chamher she said, with a pleasant 
smile: “That good old soul, Mrs. Tiernaii, has told me so 
much of this interesting little family, and of your sorrows and 
troubles, that I felt a desire to come and see you. I am Mrs. 
Hawley. 

The lady, who was about Imogen’s own age, seemed so friendly 
and so much at ease that the latter felt at once that she should 
like her. 

“ You are so kind, Mrs. Hawley, in coming to see me; and I 
am very glad to know you. Yes; Mrs. Tiernan has often spoken 
of you. I think the desire for acquaintance must have been 
mutual, for when she told me that you were coming I felt greatly 
pleased, but feared that you would not care to visit our miser- 
able home. The fire burned us out, and what you see are the 
few things furnished us by the Relief Board to commence house- 
keeping with again on a small scale. ” 

“ You have had a great deal of trouble, I know. We all have 
more or less of it; but it does seem as if you had had more than 
your share. ” 

“ I have had a great deal, I assure you,” Imogen replied, in a 
sad tone. “ No one knows what it is who has not experienced 
it, but I am feeling brighter and happier now than at any time 
since my troubles began. I have been so successful of late in 
having plenty to do. ” 

“ But you look weary. Mrs. Tiernan tells me that you sit up 
and work half the night. ” 

“ It is true I have to work quite late.” 

“ I am afraid you will break down. You must think of that, 
and be more careful of yourself.” 

“ I do think of it very much. ” 

“ Is there no easier way by which you can make a living? ” 

“ I am afraid not; I am so out of practice in music.” 

“ Mrs. Tiernan tells me that you are a fine pianist. I am very 
fond of music myself. I have a piano, but I cannot play much. 
I wish you would come down and try it. You may use it all 
you wish. I should think that you might easily get some 
pupils. ” 

“ I thank you, deeply thank you, Mrs. Hawley, but I am afraid 


BETTJRNING PBOSPEBITY. 


247 


that in the present condition of affairs in Chicago, following 
such a terrible calamity, from which nearly everybody has suf- 
fered more or less, that we would starve while I was struggling 
to obtain a class. 

“ Perhaps so; but you could rely on me for one of your 
pupils. 

“ Then you are anxious to have instruction? 

“ Yes; I should like to be one of your class. 

And I am also anxious to be taught.” 

“ You! What are you anxious to be taught, pray tell? ” 

The trade of a buttonhole-maker. That is something 
which would be of far greater utility to me than music.” 

Mrs. Hawley smiled. You are an ambitious little mortal. 
I should be delighted to do anything I can for you. If I could 
be the means of assisting you in a way that would render your 
work profitable, or less burdensome, 1 would gladly do so. But 
buttonhole work requires close application and considerable 
skill. I do not fear that you lack either of these qualifications. ” 

“Then we can exchange ideas if not talents,” suggested 
Imogen. “ I should, in return, be happy to teach you all I 
know of music.” 

“ But, Mrs. Edgcumb, you cannot spare the time. It will 
take you some time to become an expert buttonhole worker, and 
after giving such necessary time to instruction and practice as 
you will require, you will find that you can ill -afford to spare 
any for music. So I will agree to pay you for my instruction. 

“Oh, no; but I will spare it. It is only a fair exchange. I 
am more desirous of learning your trade than you are of learn- 
ing my art. I will practice of evenings, and do my regular 
work during the day.” 

“ But you cannot make buttonholes at night, it would ruin 
your eyes; moreover, it requires the best of light to make them 
nicely.” 

“ Ah, I did not think of that. ” 

“ But you can come and teach me music of evenings, though. ” 

“ Yes, so I can. I can put Paget and Geryl to bed early, and 
Mrs. Tiernan will be willing to sit here with them, I know.” 

“ What a good old soul she is.” 

“ I dofft know what would have become of us bad it not been 


248 


THE DUKE OE AECANUM. 


for her. She so kindly shared her rooms with us when we had 
no place to go, after the fire had driven us out and destroyed 
what little we had. And when our little boy died she w^as the 
only one to come to us. I hope I shall live to repay her.^^ 

“ I think you will. You are full of pluck and energy, I see. 
Misfortune sometimes pursues us until w^e lose all hope, but if w^e 
continue to battle against it, the tide is sure to turn. I have 
been interested in you ever since Mrs. Tiernan first spoke of 
you, and 1 feel more so now that I have seen you. If there is 
any way I can assist you, do not hesitate to make it known. 

Imogen was touched by these kind words, coming from one 
she had never seen before, and her eyes filled with tears. Her 
lips quivered with an emotion w hich she could not suppress, and, 
gathering her apron to her eyes, she wept. A moment of pain- 
ful silence ensued, w hich Imogen herself broke with an exclama- 
tion which was choked and spasmodic : 

“ Oh, Mrs. Hawley ! If you only knew how glad I am to have 
such a kind friend ! Everybody has seemed to turn against me. 
I once had friends, but when trouble came they deserted me.^^ 
Mrs Hawley came to Imogen, and, putting her arm about her, 
said: “ It^s the way of the world — with most people, at any 
rate. But you will not find it so with me, my dear. 

“Ido not doubt it in the least, answered Imogen. Then, 
drying her eyes, she said, apologetically : “ They are tears of 

joy and gratitude. It has been a long time since they wei e shed 
for such a cause. I hope you will pardon my w^eakness, Mrs. 
Hawley.^’ 

“ Say nothing more ; let us be friends. And now tell me when 
you will come and take your first lesson and play for ine.^^ 
Imogen hesitated for a moment, glancing at the quantity of 
work lying upon the table. “ Let me see ; this is Wednesday. 
I don’t think that I can come before Saturday — Saturday after- 
noon. Will that be agreeable? ” 

“Perfectly,” replied Mrs. Hawley, who, after a few minutes 
further conversation, took her departure. 

The mutual instruction thus so auspiciously arranged for was 
begun on the following Saturday, and continued regularly twice 
a week during the winter and spring. When summer came 
Imogen had made such progress with her trade that Mrs, 


BETUBNING PBOSPEBITY, 


249 


Hawley declared she could work buttonholes in the finest of 
fabrics as skillfully as she could herself^ though not so rapidly, 
and frequently when there was a rush of work she gave her a 
large share to do for her, paying her the same price which she 
herself received. In a short time it proved quite a revenue, and 
then she decided to find a more comfortable home. The one 
little room, which she had occupied for so many months, was 
cramped^ and, as warm weather approached, she found it very 
uncomfortable. Moreover, Mrs. Tiernan needed it duiing the 
summer. The latter, however, was loath to have them go. They 
had made her surroundings so cheerful that she dreaded the 
thought of being alone by herself again. Their companionship 
was so agreeable that it far overbalanced the inconvenience 
which she sustained by the deprivation of her scanty room. 

Finding some pleasant rooms near Mrs. Hawley^s, Imogen 
engaged them and took immediate possession. She had saved 
some money, the proceeds of her new trade, and with this and 
a credit which she obtained she bought some articles to embel- 
lish her new home. 

By this time, affairs in the burned city had begun to assume 
an air of activity. Buildings were appearing like mushrooms 
everywhere. Thousands were coming to the city of such 
wonderful recuperative energy, and every one seemed full of 
business and enterprise. In a short time after her removal 
Imogen found herself firmly established in her new occupation. 
Her work was so much admired that she was engaged exclu- 
sively by a large establishment. But, to take this situation, 
she was obliged to go to the store daily. However, this incon- 
venience was readily removed by persuading Mrs. Tiernan to 
come and make her home with them, and care for the children 
in her absence. 

Vfter two years of privation, poverty had at last dis- 
appeared from the little household. Their home, to be sure, 
was not as comfortable as the one which they had possessed at 
the time of Stanley's misfortune, for it had taken several years 
to accumulate what they then possessed, but they were comfort- 
able, and not incessantly pinched for the necessaries of life. 
There was but one factor lacking to make them perfectly 
happy — the husband and father, of whom they had heard 


250 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


iiotbiDg in so many months. There seemed to be a void without 
him, and Imogen felt herself to be constantly upon the point of 
expectation. They never gathered around the little table with- 
out something being said concerning him. Imogen had not 
encouraged the children to believe that he was living, or would 
ever return. On the contrary she spoke of him as being forever 
lost to them, for she knew the trouble that their little innocent 
tongues might cause if made to speak by the catechising of 
designing persons. She merely alluded to him tenderly, and 
expressed a wish that he were again with them. Secretly she 
cherished a belief that he would some day be restored to them, 
but it was a silent indulgence of hope, without expression, and 
sometimes she almost feared without sufiBcient warrant. When- 
ever reference was made to him, Mrs. Tiernan would persist 
that she had seen him on the morning described while on her 
way to Mrs. Hawley^s, but Imogen treated the matter in con- 
versation with the utmost incredulity. 


CHAPTEE XIX. 


CHLOE. 

I CAN^T Stand it any longer at that house, and I won^t.^’ 

“ The devil you wonT ! WhaPs the matter with you ? What 
did you follow me in here for anyway? 

I came here to talk to you, Jack, and, furthermore, I say 
that I am not going to stay in that house any longer. 

This asseveration came from Chloe, and her dark eyes flashed 
with indignation as she stood before the door of CoultePs room, 
whither she had followed him. CoultePs lip had a contempt- 
uous curl as he pushed open the door to admit her, and it was 
evident that there was about to he an angry scene between 
them. 

WhaPs the reason you won’t stay there ? ” 

“ Because I can’t stand it; isn’t that a sufficient reason, sir? ” 

Why can’t you stand it? If you weren’t so infernally 
quarrelsome you would get along well enough.” 

“ Jack Coulter, you know that’s false. I have always got 
along with Madame Eenaud better then any one else in the 
house ; but since the fire she has been so steeped in drink that 
there has been no living with her. It has grown worse and 
worse, until it has become unbearable, and I can’t stand it any 
longer. ” 

‘‘ You had better hunt up some other resort then.” 

I shall do nothing of the kind.” 

You are very virtuous all of a sudden, I see.” 

“ I might always have been but for such lecherous creatures 
as you. ” 

Take care how you talk to me, Chloe.” 

^^Well, who brought me to this life of degradation? You 
know you are the man who is responsible for it. When I left 
my father’s house for that unfeeling and deceitful libertine, I 
might easily have been persuaded to return, and my father 

251 


252 


THE DUKE OE ABCANVM. 


would have pardoned all, but I fell iuto your clutches while 
wandering about, almost distracted, after being abandoned in a 
strange city, where I did not know a soul! 

Well, what did you run away from home for? 

Don^t ask me such a question. You have been told all the 
circumstances a hundred times. I may ask why did you take 
me to such a den to lead a life of prostitution? 

I supposed that you wanted to make a living, and I thought 
that would be the easiest way for you. What did you follow 
me here to-night for? I suppose you want some more money. 
Well, I haven’t any. 

I am not after money, I am after you.” 

^^Me? I don’t want you. I expect some friends here in a 
few minutes to have a game of cards.” 

Well, I’ll stay and take a hand then,” and Chloe began to 
remove her shawl and bonnet in a cool and unconcerned manner. 

Coulter regarded her with astonishment. You take a 
hand ? You haven’t any money. ” 

“ Well, you can put up for me. It’s time for a little gallantry 
on your part.” 

Chloe threw her wraps on a chair, while Coulter scowled, 
fairly turning black with rage. Advancing to where she stood 
he took her arm and said in a sharp tone : Come, put on those 
duds; do you want to disgrace me? ” 

“ You had no scruples about disgracing me ; why should I 
care about you? Moreover, I hardly think I could disgrace 
you. If your friends knew Chloe as well as they do you they 
would have no hesitation in saying that she is the more 
respectable. ” 

Coulter, still maintainiug his hold, made a feint as if about to 
coerce her, but Chloe looked defiantly at him. “ Kelease my 
arm, sir,” she demanded. 

Seeing that he could not rid himself of her presence without 
a scene. Coulter began to change his demeanor. But what are 
you going to do here? ” he asked. 

I am going to stay here, I tell you. I am not going back to 
‘ French Anne’s ’ any more. ” 

Chloe, you can’t stay here ; you might as well get out first 
as last without any trouble. You have been dogging me long 


CHLOE, 


253 


enough. I thought for awhile after the fire that you had cleared 
out and I had got rid of you, hut I soon found I hadn’t. Now, 
this matter has gone far enough. I don^t care anything for you — 
I don’t want anything more to do with you — I want you to keep 
away from me. It will be the ruination of me if you don’t; 
and, by the gods, if I can’t make you do it one way I will 
another,” saying which. Coulter seized his mistress by the throat, 
ground his teeth, and looked savagely at her with a view of 
frightening her into submission. 

But Chloe released herself without trouble. Her face instantly 
flashed at such an indignity, and, shaking her fist and bringing 
down her foot vehemently, she hissed scornfully in his ears : 
“ Yes, you will murder me, will you, as you did Mancel 
Tewkes? ” 

“ What, what do I hear? ” demanded Coulter, starting back 
with a look of alarm, as he caught those words so venomously 
hurled at him. 

“ Yes, the high-handed intimidator hears well and he 
trembles, I see.” 

“ Chloe,” said Coulter, looking anxiously in her face, I don’t 
understand you. Don’t dare to impute any of the crimes 
hatched at ‘ French Anne’s ’ to me. What do you know about 
the murder of Mancel Tewkes ? ” 

Enough to have sent you to the scaffold two years ago,” 
Chloe answered in a firm tone, looking steadfastly in his eyes. 

Coulter turned and paced the floor excitedly for some 
moments, evidently struggling with his thoughts and endeavor- 
ing to find some plan to successfully cope with the woman. At 
length he stopped directly before her, and, placing his finger 
under her chin, said in a coaxing voice: Come now, Chloe, 

don’t be silly. Don’t think because I asked you to testify at 
the trial that I had anything to do with that affair. I merely 
asked you to do so at the request of Madame Renaud. I sup- 
pose she wanted to strengthen Pintard’s testimony, thinking 
that it might have the effect to mitigate his punishment when 
convicted of burglary, as they had a pretty clear case against 
him.” 

“ Jack Coulter, you can’t hoodwink me in any such manner. 
I am clear sighted, and I know all the circumstances of that 


254 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


case. T haven^t lived at Madame Renand^s all these years with- 
out keeping my eyes and ears open. You are a murderer, and 
you know it.’^ 

Coulter, again startled at the pronunciation of that word, 
glanced nervously about as if fearing that the walls would 
repeat the accusation. 

“ Hush-h-h-h ; don^t talk so loud; some one may be listening 
in the hall.^^ 

“ A guilty conscience, said Chloe, sneeringly. Then reach- 
for Her shawl and hat, she asked : Do you wish me to go 

now? 

“ No, no, no, Chloe; no, no, don^t go. I want to talk further 
with you.^^ 

“ But I thought you expected some friends. 

Oh, that was only a lie. Put down your things, I want to 
talk with you,^^ and stepping to the door, he locked it, and put 
the key in his pocket. “ Now sit down, Chloe, I want 

“ To make me talk. Yes; how very conciliatory you 

are. A moment ago you had me by the throat, and were going 
to strangle me if I didn’t leave ; now you lock the door, and 
plead with me to remain. What do you wish of me now, sir? ” 

“ I want you to tell me what you know about that murder, 
and why you accuse me of it. ” 

“ Mr. Coulter, I am the ring-master, and I don’t propose to 
hand over the whip. You can play the clown now, and dance 
to the crack of it. I’ve been one long enough. ” 

“You mean by that that you won’t tell me what you know for 
fear of putting a weapon in my hands to punish you with ?” 

“No; lam not guilty of anything that deserves punishment, 
therefore I do not fear it.” 

Coulter stroked his mustache and looked vexed. He felt that 
he had more than a match in this revengeful woman, who had 
clung to him so faithfully until now, and that he had made a 
great mistake in attempting to cast her off so abruptly. 
Satiety, repugnance and disgust on one hand, and lack of 
judgment on the other, had led him to make a fatal error; he 
saw it when it was too late. 

Chloe still maintained a cold and unyielding demeanor. She 
knew her part, and was determined to play it for all it was 


CHLOH. 


m 


Worth. She know Coulter^s nature to perfection; his strong 
and weak points; bis resources and artifices, and what was 
better still she knew that she possessed a weapon which would 
bring him to submission. She had entered the den of the lion, 
which had stalked toward her with bristling mane, but she now 
had him cowering at her feet. 

“Come now, Chloe,’^ continued Coulter, coaxingly, “there’s 
no use of our acting like children. We have both been rather 
hasty. I admit that I was out of sorts when you came in. Now, 
answer me, has Madame Nenaud told you anything concerning 
me?” 

“ I shall not say how I came to know about it.” 

“ That isn’t the question. I asked if that old drunken hag 
has told you anything about me?” 

“ Whatever has passed between Madame Kenaud and me is 
between us; not between you and me.” 

“ Well, if you don’t tell me I shall go and ask her. This is a 
serious matter which you charge me with.” 

“ You had better keep away from there if you know when you 
are well off. ” 

“ Why so ? ” 

“ Do you know Jarmyn? ” 

“Yes; I know hiui byname. He is terror to the crooks, 
they say. ” 

“ Do you know him by sight? ” 

“No; why? ” 

“ You had better cultivate his acquaintance then — but at a 
distance. ” 

“ Why so? I don’t understand you.” 

“ Well, he is watching the house, and has tried to make me 
talk.” 

“ About what ? ” 

“ About 

“ What the devil does he want to know about me, I’m not a 
crook. ” 

“ But you’re a murderer.” 

Coulter frowned and looked severe. “ It’s a lie ; I never killed 
a man in my life. ” 


256 THi: DUKE OF ARCANUM. 

Au accessory is as bad as a principal. You planned the 
crime.” 

Did Madame Renaud tell you that? ” 

^‘No.” 

‘‘ Did Pintard? ” 

“No.” 

“ Did Vitellius? ” 

“No.” 

“Who did then?” 

“A little spirit whispered it in my ear,” said Cloe, with a 
chuckle, as she saw how Coulter was wriggling upon the 
gridiron. 

“ Well, you are the most provoking little wretch I ever saw. 
I can^t get anything out of you at all. Now answer me, do you 
believe any such stuff — that I have ever been concerned in a 
murder ? ” 

“ Why shouldn’t I? I might have doubted it once ; but after 
such an exhibition as I have seen to-night, and such threats as 
I have heard, I am prepared to believe anything.” 

“ You believe it then, do you? ” 

“Ido.” 

“ And are you going to make me any trouble ? ” 

Chloe did not respond to the question, but kept her eyes fixed 
on the floor. 

“ Again I ask you, are you going to givo-me any trouble ? ” 
Still there was a profound silence, and Chloe continued to gaze 
with downcast eyes. Coulter awaited her reply with a cool and 
determined expression on his face. Although it was a moment 
of keen suspense to him, yet he strove not to betray the evil 
thoughts which were rushiug through his brain. However, in 
the stillness that ensued Chloe fancied that she could 
hear his short, quick respirations, and looking up she 
detected a sinister gleam in his eyes. “ He will kill me if I say 
yes,” she thought, but she did not manifest her uneasiness. It 
became apparent at once that it would be better to conciliate 
him than to provoke him to violence, and, thus decided, she 
said: “No; not if you behave yourself. ” 

Coulter felt relieved, for he saw traces of a smile about Chloe’s 
mouth, and her features looked softer than before. 






















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CBLOli. 


257 


“ If 1 behave myself, be repeated ; what a generous con- 
dition! That’s the easiest thing in the world for me. How do 
you wish me to behave ? ” 

To treat me better than you have for the last year; and to 
make reparation for past wrongs by acknowledging me as youi 
wife before the law.” 

You mean that I shall marry you ? ” 

“ That’s precisely my meaning.” 

“ Marry you! Marry a woman of the town ! Well, you’ve got 
more gall than a curbstone fakir. What do you suppose I want 
of you for a wife ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t suppose you do. Jack, but I want you.” 

As a leech w^ants a bloodvessel ! ” 

“ Have it as you will; but I want a decent living, and you 
owe it to me. I am tired of this life at French Anne’s.” 

Now, Chloe, be reasonable. What do you think would be 
the result if I should marry you ? Why, all my friends would 
point the finger of scorn at me. A man may dissipate and yet 
be thought respectable by his friends; but let him marry his 
mistress and they will shun him as if he were a leper. Men do 
not care for themselves what other men do. It is for their 
families they care ; and when one of them takes a wife which 
the world thinks is not what she ought to be, every door is 
closed against him — every back is turned upon him and every 
tongue reviles him. How much respect would the hundreds of 
men under my charge have for mef How long would the com- 
pany tolerate a man at the head of afiairs who could command 
no respect from his subordinates 1 Do you not see what a sac- 
rifice you are asking me to make ? ” 

If I am debarred from associating with decent people who 
is responsible for it ” 

You are yourself. Every one is responsible for his or her 
own acts.” 

No, sir, I was a foolish young girl, ruined by flattery and 
false promises, and you are mainly responsible for it. ” 

“ Don’t be so foolish.” 

“ I am not. I am desperate, sir. I have been brought to 
such a plane of degradation that you even despise me, and I 
w ill have an honorable amend or your 

*7 


258 


TEE DUKE OE AECANUM, 


Cbloe had gradually become more and more irritated by Coul- 
ter’s impudent argument, until, at last giving way to her pas- 
sions, she had burst forth into this vehement threat of vengeance. 
Coulter, however, did not lose his self-control. He seemed to 
realize that the situation was becoming strained, and that it 
would not do for both to lose their heads at the same time. 
Further, he knew that Chloe had the advantage of him, that 
she undoubtedly knew enough to send him to the scaffold if she 
felt disposed to denounce him. It was now his turn to conciliate 
her, or else instantly take a more desperate course and rid him- 
self of her altogether. For the next moment his thoughts 
fluctuated thus between good and evil. Meanwhile Chloe 
appeared resolute. Her lips were tightly compressed, and she 
kept her snapping eyes fixed upon him, evidently determined 
not to allow him the least advantage if he undertook to make 
any violent demonstrations against her. 

“Chloe,” said Coulter finally, in a calm and quiet manner, 
“ we have been intimate friends for more than three years. You 
couldn’t find it in your heart to sacrifice me in this way, I am 
sure, for either way you put it it’s a sacrifice. If I should marry 
you I would sacrifice my friends, business and honor, and if I 
refuse, and you carry out your threats, then possibly I might 
lose my life, for I see that Madame Kenaud has told you all 
about that Mancel Tewkes affair. Come now, could you sacri- 
fice an old friend like that ? ” 

Keceiving no reply Coulter then took one of Chloe’s hands 
and was about to press his appeal further, when she abruptly 
withdrew it, saying : “ You cannot play fast and loose with me 

any further. I want to know what you are going to do, for I am 
not going back to Madame Kenaud’s, and if I must be on the 
town I want to know it without further quibbling on your 
part.” 

“ I can’t marry you, Chloe, for it would be suicidal, and if I 
must commit suicide I would prefer to do it now with a 
revolver.” 

“ You had better do it then,” suggested Chloe, indifferently. 

Without making a reply Coulter went to his bureau drawer, 
took out his revolver and returned to Chloe’s side. Anticipa- 
ting his purpose Chloe unbuttoned the bosom of her dress and 


CHLOE. 


259 


drew out a small pistol saying: Come now, coward, do it; 

ril dare you. Vve nothing to live for without you. Til agree 
to die with you — blaze away. 

Finding that his scheme would not work, Coulter returned the 
weapon to the drawer; then, striving, to look pleasant, he 
remarked : “ Well you have more sand than I thought you 

had. Put up your gun and we will talk it out. 

A contemptuous sneeraccompanied the action as Chloe’s pearl- 
handled pistol disappeared. It did not irritate Coulter, how- 
ever, as he was laboring with a new idea which he thought 
would effect a compromise. “Chloe,^’ said he, you are 
going to leave the Madame^s, how would you like to return 
home? 

“ Nonsense ; never ! I shall never look my father in the face 
again. No ; I would stay at the house and sell whisky behind 
the bar, rather. 

“ Capital idea ! Bar-maid, beer-slinger, et cetera ! Can you 
mix a vermouth cocktail? Now, if you could only play the 
banjo and pirouette in infinitesimal tulle, you would make quite 
a success of it. Ha, ha ! 

Chloe turned up her nose. 

But seriously, Chloe, I was going to say that if you wish 
to go home I will give you the necessary means. 

“ You need not trouble yourself about that ; you know what I 
want.^^ 

“ That I caift do — just at present, anyway; but as a compro- 
mise I’ll tell you what we will do. We will make up and be 
good friends again ; then you shall be my old-time Chloe — my 
mistress, you know. I will furnish a nice room for you, pay 
your expenses, and come to see you as often as I can. ” 

“ Do you mean it. Jack ? ” asked Chloe, glancing at him, 
doubtfully. 

Yes ; to be sure I do. Does that suit you? ” 

And won’t you get married and desert me ? ” 

Married ! By jingo ! I don’t think there is an honest woman 
in the world who would have me. Married! No.” 

Then [ am satisfied; but remember, if you don’t keep your 

promise ; remember, I say ” and she shook her finger 

admonishingly at him. 


260 


THE DUKE OF ABCAEUM. 


Remember wbat ? 

“ That an injured bee will sting, even though the sting is fatal 
to its own life.’^ 

“ Very well, I will bear it in mind ; but as long as I keep my 
part of the compact you will never cause me any trouble, will 
you 

‘‘ I will promise you that.^^ 

Coulter then kissed his mistress, and they appeared to be 
reconciled. Each had gained a point without a complete sur- 
render. Seeing that he was in a trap Coulter had struggled by 
threats, persuasion and every artifice known to him to make the 
terms of his capitulation as easy as possible. On the other 
hand, well knowing Coulter^s anxiety, Chloe had, determined to 
gain all she could. Her life at the bagnio was loathsome in the 
extreme, and she could think of no better way out of it than to 
compel Coulter to support her. She did not expect to become 
his wife, nor did she care to ; hence the compromise was very 
acceptable to her. 

By accidentally overhearing conversations Chloe had learned 
the whole story of the murder. She bad heard Pintard and 
Vitellius discussing it in French when they did not suspect that 
a human being was within earshot. She had heard remarks 
passed between Pintard and Madame Renaud which, although 
made in a blind and misleading manner, were perfectly intelli- 
gible to her. She had become familiar with the police records 
through hearing them discussed by the habitues of the place. 
She knew that Edgcumb was languishing in prison, charged 
with the murder of Mancel Tewkes; but she loved Coulter 
then, and she would have sacrificed herself to protect him. It 
was with the knowledge of all this that she sought Imogen in 
the guise of a necromancer. Her intense jealousy instigated 
her to such a course in order to prevent an intrigue with her 
lover. When the trial came on, and she was asked by Coulter 
to disguise herself and appear as a witness, she knew what it 
meant and she readily consented. It was not for Madame 
Renaud^s sake, but for CoulteFs, for she knew his connection with 
that affair. After the trial CoulteFs neglect began. He avoided 
her more and more, until a year after the fire it culminated in 
the scene above described. 


CHLOl^!, 


2U1 

After the fire Chloe went with Mr.clame Renaud to her new 
quarters; but in the general upheaval of things following that 
(lire calamity, Coulter lost sight of her for many w’eeks. Ho 
earnestly hoped that she had disappeared, like hundreds of her 
class who, having been driven out by the fire, had sought other 
towns and cities where the conditions of such a life were more 
promising. But just as he thought himself well rid of her the 
siren suddenly rapped at his door one evening, and his hopes 
were speedily dissolved. While walking upon the street, closely 
veiled, she had encountered him. It was an easy matter to 
follow him and ascertain his lodging-place, then present her- 
self at an opportune moment. Coulter received her coldly. 
The life she had led had not entirely dulled her sensitive 
nature, and she felt hurt at his aversion. She did not betray 
her feelings, however, but endeavored for some time to win him 
back by her smiles and caresses, but she could not move him 
from his indifference. Then, in a fit of distraction, she threw 
herself upon the floor, and endeavored to move him with her 
tears from his contumacy. But coolly taking a cigar from his 
pocket he lighted it and puffed away unconcernedly while she 
pouted. He did not treat her harshly then, nor tell her to 
leave. It was simply an attempt to freeze her out by indiffer- 
ence. He thought she would soon go of her own accord and 
never trouble him more. But Chloe was stubborn and he was 
obliged to yield. Then he saw her at intervals during the next 
few months, but at every meeting his ofifensiveness increased. 
Then he avoided her entirely. This was not to be endured, 
and Chloe was resolved to bring him to terms with the accusa- 
tion of murder. The result has been seen. 

Coulter’s manner toward Chloe was at once perceptibly 
changed. The secret which she possessed inspired him with a 
wholesome dread of her for awhile. She did not press her 
advantage by making inordinate demands upon him; neither 
did she attempt to display a spirit of ascendancy. She was 
contented; she had disenthralled herself from her wretched 
mode of life at Madame Renaud’s. She really wished to lead a 
better one, and this might be a beginning, though a poor one. 

A room w^as furnished and the mistress installed. Coulter 
was assiduous in his attentions, and came frequently to see her. 


262 


TBE DUKE OF AKGANUM. 


One evening, during one of his visits, he remarked, “ Chloe, you 
are a great enigma to me ; do you know it? 

“ No; am I, indeed? she asked smilingly. 

^‘Yes; you are a great mystery to me. I have known you 
three years, and yet I am convinced that I do not know you 
at all.^^ 

Chloe burst into a merry peal of laughter. What would 
you like to know, my dear? she asked. 

“ I should like to know who you are and where you came 
from. I don^t understand why you have always kept it from 
me.^^ 

“ Why, I am Chloe, of course, and 

And as great a mystery as the ‘Man in the Iron Mask,^ 
Coulter added, interrupting her. 

“ Or the ‘ room-mate of James Kye,^ suggested Chloe, with 
a sly wink. 

“Ha, ha! Very well put,^^ said Coulter, returning the sig- 
nificant glance ; “ hut are you never going to tell me anything 
of yourself. 

“ Jack, I have only one name now, and that is Chloe. It was 
adopted in a baptism of shame when I left my father^s roof and 
met you. I am determined never to utter my father’s name with 
these unchaste lips. No; you may call it a freak or a foolish 
whim, hut I have that reverence for him and the love which he 
gave me never to pronounce his name again. ” 

“ Never is a long time, vou know.” 

“ Never, while this state ^)f concubinage exists, at any rate. 
When I have become transformed into a lawful wife, or have 
become a reformed and honest woman, then I shall seek my 
father, ask his forgiveness, and with clean lips I shall not be 
ashamed to pronounce his name.” 

Ridiculous ! Nonsensical ! You reform ! Fve seen old whisky- 
bloats try to reform ; but let them stick their noses to the bung- 
hole of a cask and all their good resolutions vanish like a fog in 
the sunshine. You would be equally as fickle. The first good- 
looking chap that came along, with a glossy tile, a checkered 
suit, and a diamond stud, you would succumb. It’s born in the 
flesh; Chloe.” 


CHLOE. 


20:^ 


“ A woman would not obtain much encouragement to reform 
from you, I know/^ Chloe answered, with a tinge of sarcasm. 

“ Why, you ungrateful minx, didn^t I lift you out of the mire 
of prostitution at ‘ French Anne^s^ and give you a place here? 

It was not a voluntary or pliilanthropical act, by any means, 
on your part. But let us drop the subject before we fall into 
another quarrel. 

“ Very well, on condition that you tell me who you are and 
where you came from.^^ 

“ I have told you my name a great many times. 

“ Well, who tvere you then? 

“ The past must be buried. 

Then tell me where you came from.^’ 

“ From the far East, the far, far East; that is all I can tell you. 
Now, Jack, don’t quiz me any more. Be good and not ques- 
tion me further,” and Chloe patted him, coaxingly, on the 
shoulder. 

Well, I don’t see that it is of much use; I am never the 
wiser for it.” 

And you never shall be, rest assured of it. Jack.” 

But I shall always think there is some deep mystery con- 
nected with your life.” 

Think anything, my boy, only do not question me about 
it. Talk about anything that will interest you more — Jar- 
myn, for instance.” 

Coulter seemed to start at the mention of the detective’s 
name, but instantly recovering himself asked, nonchalantly: 
What the devil do I care about Jarmyn ? ” 

“ I don’t think myself that you care for a very close acquaint- 
ance with him. ” 

You had something to say about him the night of our 
unpleasantness ; but I thought it was merely a contrivance to 
keep me away from the Madame’s. ” 

The Madame says he has been watching the house.” 

Well, he may be looking for Pintard.” 

it For Pintard, Yitellius and ” 

“ And who ? ” 

“ And Coulter.” 

Humpli! You seem to kpow all about it* Take care thqt 


264 THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 

he don’t get hold of you. Would you hold your tongue if he 
did? ” 

“ Have no fear of me, Jack, as long as you treat me decently. 
Bat, do you know, I think he was shadowing me, too ; and, to 
tell you the truth, that was one of my reasons for leaving the 
house. I am afraid of him. Could they do anything with me 
l()r testifying in that case? ” 

‘‘ Why, certainly; they would hang you, if they should dis- 
cover it.” 

Chloe shuddered and looked frightened. Hang me f I 
don’t see what I have done.” 

“You were a conspirator, as much as Madame Benaud, Pin- 
tard and Yitellius.” 

“ You always forget to mention yourself, don’t you? ” 

“ But you never forget to remind me of it, do you? ” 

“ How was I a conspirator? Pray tell.” 

“Didn’t you perjure yourself to help convict Edgcumb? 
Why, they could easily make it appear to a jury that you were 
in the plot to murder Tewkes, or that you were privy to the 
matter. The very fact alone that you committed perjury would 
convict you of being an accessory; so I think you have quite as 
much to dread from me as I have from you.” 

“ You are only trying to frighten me. Jack. I sacrificed my 
long hair and went there to please you, and now you would be 
ungrateful enough to see me gibbeted. ” 

“ No, I don’t want you to meet such a fate, but T am telling 
you these things to show you the necessity of keeping a close 
mouth. You are as deep in the mire as any one. Keep out of 
Jarmyn’s way, and never let him ply you wi.^li questions, and 
especially with none concerning me.” 

Coulter arose and took his hat. 

“What, am I to be left alone again to-night?” Chloe 
inquired, upon observing his intentions. 

‘‘ Yes; I can’t remain longer with you to-night. I have a 
game on hand, and I want to make a good winning, if T have 
to sit up all night to do it. I will see you again soon. Look 
out for Jarmyn. Au revoir. ” 

Coulter was out and away before Chloe could return even a 
commonplace “good-night.” After a few minutes of musing, 


CIILOE. 


265 

she took up a book and tried to read, but she could not concen- 
trate her thoughts, for the conversation in regard to the murder 
kept running in her head. She really felt alarmed at Coulter^s 
assertion — so much so that she closed the book and fell into a 
train of reflections. “ What a fool I was to do that for him ; he 
does not love me for it. He only provides for me, and comes 
here from necessity. I never once thought of the consequences 
of my false evidence, if discovered. Jack asked me to give it 
and I did, simply because I loved him — for no other reason. 
But that is the way with a man. He will make a tool of a 
confiding woman, and, when he can use her no longer, throw 
her overboard. And still the silly fools will confide in them. 
What a dupe I have been, and how he chuckles in his sleeve to 
think of it ! Good gracious, I wonder if they could hang me if 
they discovered my perjury! They would surely say that I 
knew all about the murder, because I swore falsely, and im- 
personated a mythical character. And what if they should find 
Kye, and bring him before me, and ask him if he recognized his 
ancient room-mate? Oh, dear, I wonder what has become of 
him! But, let me think; I remember Jack told me when I 
went to court not to be afraid, that Kye would never trouble 
me. I wonder if they killed him, too. I shall not sleep a wink 
to-night, Pm so nervous. 

Chloe was interrupted in her musings by a sudden rap at the 
door. There, Jack has returned for some reason or other. 

With book in hand she stepped forward and opened the door 
slightly, when a face was thrust in, and a voice said, in a low 
tone: Hi, hi, Chloe, ye thar? 

“ Why, Pintard, is that you? 

Yes, it’s me, Chloe; lemme come in,” and he pushed the 
door opened as he spoke and entered. “ Pve been layin’ low till 
Coulter got away. He won’t come back and find me with his 
gal, will he ? ” 

No ; he won’t be back for a little while — probably an hour 
But how in the world did you know I was here ? ” 

I seed ye on the street the other day and I follered ye.” 

Did you know I had left ^ French Anne’s?’ ” 

Oui Mam’selle.” 

Who told you ? ” 


206 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


“ La Madame.’’ 

“ Why, you don’t dare to go to the house, do you? ” 

“ No; but she knows where to seek me.” 

Chloe then spoke to him in French, and Pintard sat down in 
a chair. 

“ What brings you here, Pintard?” 

Business, Mam’sell, business.” 

“ Business with me ? What can it be ? You are the last per- 
son on earth I expected to see. Is it something from the 
Madame ?” 

No ; its a scheme of mine. Can I ’pend on ye, Mam’sell?” 

“ Well, I can’t say until I have heard what it is.” 

Will ye keep it to yourself if it don’t fit yer notion ?” 

“ Of course, Pintard, you can rely on me for that; you ought 
to know that well enough without asking. ” 

“ Hev ye got any wine here, Mam’sell? I think I could talk 
better if I had a bit to wet me tongue.” 

It hashed upon Chloe’s mind that it might be well to limber 
up his tongue, and that, perhaps, a little wine would assist in 
the matter, so she replied : “ Yes ; I have a bottle of St. Jiilien 

in the closet which Jack brought up the other night. I will 
get it, ” and bringing it forth she placed it on the table with a 
couple of glasses. 

Chloe, yer a poor drinker fur one of Madame Kenaud’s 
gals,” said Pintard, holding the well-filled bottle up to the light 
to size its contents. Come, take a sip.” 

Chloe permitted Pintard to serve her. After indulging him- 
self in a portion of the wine the cheer became quite perceptible, 
and with a confidential air he commenced: Chloe, ye hev no 

love fur that man who just went out, hev ye ?” 

Do you mean Coulter ?” 

Yes; that infernal dog. Coulter.” 

Why, Pintard, what do you mean by calling him such a 
name?” 

Pintard took another sip of wine before answering. “ Wal, 
I’ve got good reasons fur it. I know more about him than ye 
does. ” 

I don’t know why you should; I fepown bini longer 
fh^p you have, ” 


CHLOl^. 


267 


Well, do ye know any good of himf Why, Chloe, he’d cut 
yer throat in a minute if he wanted to get rid of ye and couldn’t 
do it any other way. ” 

Chloe was silent; she thought there might be considerable 
truth in the assertion. Pintard watched her closely over the 
edge of his glass, as he held it to his lips. 

What makes you think so ? ” at length demanded Chloe. 

“ I’m not giving ye any wild talk, Chloe ; 1 know he’d do it. 
I’ve seen what he’s done to others more innocent than ye are, by 
a long sight.” 

What has he done, Pintard ? Tell me all about it. Was it a 
woman scrape?” 

“ No; ’tweren’t a woman scrape at all. In that case he might 
have been excused, fur when a feller’s got a gal and he can’t get 
rid of her, he’s either got to run away or smash her.” 

“ What was it then? Come, fill up your glass again and tell 
me.” 

“ Yer mighty liberal, Chloe. I’ll fill it up, but I ain’t goin’ to 
tell ye till I know how ye stand with him. There’s a good 
chance to get a whack at him, if ye wan ter.” 

Well, Pintard, I don’t love him as I once did, to tell you the 
truth.” 

“ Is he keepin’ ye here ? ” 

“ Yes; but he wouldn’t if he didn’t have to.” 

“ Ye’ve got suthin’ on him, hev ye? Wal, I hope ye’ll stick it 
to him till ye bust him.” 

“ Well, now that you know my sentiments what have you 
to say? ” 

Pintard drained the contents of his glass, replenished it, and 
commenced: “Chloe, ye know Coulter’s got a pretty good 
job, don’t ye? ” 

Chloe nodded assent. 

“ And he makes lots of money gamblin’ an’ speculatin’, don’t 
he? ” 

“ I presume so, ” said Chloe, “ he always seems to have plenty 
about him; but you are not planning to rob him? ” 

“ No; not exactly, though I’d just as soon put a jimmy under 
his winder as any one I know of. Hev ye any means of findin’ 
out \yhat he’s got ? ” 


2G8 


TBt: DUKE OF AliCANU3L 


“ You mean what he is worth ? 

Exactly, Mam’sell, that^s what I mean/^ 

^‘No; I can’t find out ; he keeps every thing to himself; he 
never tells me anything.” 

He’s pretty shrewd, but I think we’re a match fur him. Now 
Chloe, my scheme is just this. I know suthin’ on him that would 
send him up fur life, an’ I’ll tell ye what it is, providin’ ye’ll put 
him on the rack and go me halves; what d’ye say to it? ” 

Chloe sat in a musing way for some minutes without ventur- 
ing a reply. She was considering the advisability of having 
anything to do with such a desperate character as she knew 
Pintard to be; but still she was curious to find out what he 
knew against Coulter.” Naturally enough she thought of the 
Ylancel Tewkes aflair, but Pintard was as deeply concerned in 
that as he. I will wait a little while,” she thought, ‘‘ perhaps 
I can get it out of him without making any promises. ” 

Pintard had become so occuppied with his cup that he 
scarcely noticed Chloe’s silence. Draining it, and placing it 
before him on the table, he leaned back in his chair, whereupon 
Chloe, reaching over, seized the bottle, exclaiming: Why, 

Pintard, you are no drinker; why don’t you fill it up?” and 
pouring the remainder into his glass she pushed it toward him. 

Pintard was now becoming quite mellow from the wine, and 
Chloe surmised that one more glass would have the desired 
effect. 

Taking the glass in his hand Pintard held it up, while the 
broad grin which animated his features, and the glitter of his 
eyes, told of the happy effect of his indulgence. 

“ Chloe, here’s to the new scheme ” 

“ Well, you ought to have drunk to that with the first and not 
have waited till the last,” said Chloe, affecting a jolly manner. 

Wal, darn it, that’s what’s the matter — but — wal, 1 hadn’t 
got the thing started yet; ye commenced on me so quick, ye 
know.” 

All right, Pintard, go ahead. ” 

But ain’t ye goin’ to drink with me ? ” 

Yes, certainly, ” and Chloe lifted the glass from which she 
had but slightly partaken, and held it up for Pintard to touch. 


CHLOE. 


269 


As the glasses jiugled together^ she burst forth into a merry 
Bacchanalian song, as follows ; 

Come, tip your glasses, boys, and wed 
Your spirits to the wine cup’s red ; 

For there is joy and life anew. 

In every sparkling drop for you. 

Come, drink and drain. 

And fill again; 

Drink and be merry 
Of the precious Maderia, 

For wine is a solace to pain. 

Let care go out and joy come in ; 

’Tis time for revels to begin ; 

With wine and song, and dance, astir. 

Who would not be a reveler ? 

Come, drink and drain. 

And fill again; 

Drink and be merry 
Of the precious Maderia, 

For wine is a solace to pain. 

Pintard held the glass motionless to his lips until Chloe had 
finished, then both quaffed together. 

“ Chloe, I allers liked that song. I used to hear you sing it 
at the Madame’s. Them was jolly times, weren’t they— before 
the fire? ’’ 

“ Yes; and Jack used to set up the wine often for us then.” 

“ But he had an object in doin’ it though. That feller’s got a 
cunning head. He don’t do anything without a purpose, mind 
ye.” 

Why, w^hat purpose could he have had, other than to have 
a good time ? ” 

“ Oh, he wanted a little job done, ye see. It was a kinder 
nasty one and he didn’t want to do it hisself. He made us • 
think there was big money in it, but we got nothin’ out of it.” 

“ Then you did it for him, did you? ” 

Although Pintard’s mind did not now possess its normal 
perspicacity, still he seemed to see that he had made a mistake, 
and he attempted to correct himself. “ Wal, I mean — I was 
goin’ to say —ye see — that Coulter wanted us to do that job, 
but we couldn’t see any money in it.” 

Oh, that’s it,” said Chloe, indifferently. I didn’t know 


270 THE DUKE OF AECANUM, 

but that was what you were going to tell me in reference to 
your scheme.’’ 

“ No; it’s suthin’ else that happened about the time I was 
jugged. Ye see, Chloe, I told ye that Coult3r ’ud do anything 
when he gets in a pinch. Wal, ye see there was a feller that 
stood in his way, and ” 

“ Was it Mancel Tewkes ? ” 

“ No; it wasn’t him, but how did ye know anything about 
Mancel Tewkes ? ” 

“ Why, Pintard, don’t you remember that when they tried 
Edgcumb for the murder of Mancel Tewkes, that Coulter asked 
me to cut off my hair, disguise myself as a man, and go and 
testify that I was somebody’s room-mate? ” 

“ Yes; James Kye, that’s the feller I’m gettin’ at.” 

“Yes; James Kye; that was his name. I thought it was 
strange at the time that Coulter had anything to do with it, 
and that is why I asked just now if it was Mancel Tewkes who 
stood in his way. ” 

“ No, no; Mancel Tewkes was the man we ” 

Pintard stopped short again, seeing that he was near com- 
promising himself ; and Chloe, to relieve him of his embarrass- 
ment, feigned not to understand him, saying : “ Yes, yes; you 

mean that Mancel Tewkes was the man Edgcumb killed. I 
understand you, go ahead. What about Kye? You say he 
stood in Coulter’s way. ” 

“ Yes, Chloe, yer head’s clearer’n mine. Ye ain’t drunk so 
much wine, ye know. Well, Kye stood in his way, or he was 
afraid he might give him some trouble, so one night he and 
Vitellius drove to his room and took him off.” 

“ You mean abducted him.” 

“ Yes, that’s what they call it, I b’lieve. They chloroformed 
him ; then they brought him to “ French Anne’s ” an’ put him 
in the tunnel under the house, where they kept him chained for 
a long time. When the fire came Vitellius was away. The 
INIadame wanted to get rid of Kye by poison long before, but 
Coulter kept her from it. Then when she had so good a chance 
she left him to his fate, an’ the fire burned ’im up. ” 

My God, did Jack Coulter do that ? That accounts for the 
strange noises I used to sometimes hear when I went into the 


GBLOE. 271 

little room where you all disappeared so suddenly one night 
when the police raided the house. 

There was a look of horror in Chloe^s face as she spoke. The 
thought of having lived so long in a house underneath which a 
human being was imprisoned in a horrible dungeon — the thought 
of the fire coming upon them, and their rushing away, leaving 
the man to such a fate — was horrible to her in the extreme. 
Pintard had become too much confused by the wine by this 
time to notice her agitation, and placing his arms upon the 
table dropped his head forward upon them, and in a moment 
was fast asleep. 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE DUKE OF AKCANUM. 

Early in the spring of 1873 the Board of Trade and tinancial 
circles of Chicago evinced considerable interest in a inysterious 
individual who had recently arrived and plunged into specula- 
tions of uncommon magnitude in grain. He had presented large 
drafts upon diflerent banks, which had been duly honored. It 
being inferred from this that he was a man of vast wealth and 
resources, his movements were watched with unusual interest. 
Xo one, however, seemed to know who he was or whence he 
came. His general appearance and the fashion of his garments 
were decidedly English. There were some who declared that 
he was an English nobleman, sojourning incognito for a short 
time; while others, who had passed a few words with him, 
asserted that the voice, language and manners of the stranger 
were those of an American. His manner was so reserved, and 
his bearing so dignified, that none felt that he could be 
approached upon terms of sufficient intimacy to enable one to 
learn anything in regard to his history or antecedents. His 
magnificent equipage, drawn by a pair of cream-colored horses 
— creatures of remarkable limb and beauty — was the marvel of 
all as they dashed through the streets, and their origin was as 
mysterious as their owner. 

At a regular hour every morning the carriage drew up before 
the entrance to the Chamber of Commerce; the stranger 
alighted and walked up the stairs into the exchange hall, where 
he was seen to watch the course of the markets for a few mo- 
ments, study the columns of statistics which were posted on the 
bulletin boards, open cable dispatches which were usually 
awaiting him, talk confidentially but briefly with his brokers, 
and then retire from the chamber as quietly as he had entered. 

The stranger was known to be in telegraphic correspondence 
with the Marquis of Follansbee, of Loudon, and, as the Marquis 

272 


THE DUKE OF ABCANVM. 


273 


was renowned for his speculative ventures, it was surmised that 
there was an understanding between them to operate in the grain 
market upon a large scale, lie seemed at once, without any 
effort, to unconsciously obtain great prestige, while his name 
and intentions inspired the keenest interest and occasioned the 
liveliest gossip upon the floor of the exchange. 

Jr.sper Morton had, in due course of time, obtained his letters- 
patent, made the necessary assignment to the Marquis of Fol- 
lansbee, received the hundred thousand pounds, and, with bills 
of exchange on New York, sailed from Liverpool for America. 
He had determined to go on to Chicago and enter that city with 
a boldness which would disarm suspicion. His sojourn of a year 
and a half abroad had wrought a wonderful change in him. It 
would, indeed, have been a difficult matter to have recognized in 
Jasper Morton, when he returned to the earlier scenes of his 
career, the Stanley Edgcumb who had escaped the clutches of 
the law in such a miraculous way. The smooth face of other 
days was now covered with a thick growth of beard, while the 
upper portion was covered with scars, which evidenced the rav- 
ages of small-pox. His manner had undergone a great change 
also. The weight of troubles which had oppressed him so long 
and the reticence which he found it necessary to maintain had 
sobered his character, so that the amiable, light-hearted dis- 
position of former days had given place to icy reserve and 
unapproachable hauteur and dignity. His travel abroad and 
his associations with people of culture and reQnement had given 
him a polish and elegance of manners, while his affluence tended 
to give him assurance, thus rendering impossible a recognition 
of his former self in the man of 73. 

Morton fully appreciated the danger in returning to his old 
haunts, but there was a combination of circumstances which he 
felt would carry him safely through. Chicago was too busily 
occupied with her rejuvenescence to remember the poor teleg- 
rapher who had been convicted of murder, even if she did not 
think: him dead. The fire also had wrought mighty changes. 
New faces had appeared and old ones disappeared. Old Chi- 
cago was no more ; and Morton thought that amidst the busy 
scenes of the new city, in his metamorphosis from a threadbare 
prisoner to a man of opulence, that none would attempt to trace 

i8 


274 


THE DUKE OE ABOANUM, 


a resemblaucc between them, and that bo would bo alto- 
gether free from suspicion. The very boldness of the act and 
the display of wealth in a judicious manner, together with a 
reserve and dignity which would repel the inquisitive, he felt 
assured would afford him ample opportunities to carry out his 
plans. He feared but one man — Jarmyn. He knew the craft 
and cunning of the detective, but still hoped to also mislead him. 

First in his thoughts were Imogen and the children; and 
foremost among the objects which prompted his return was 
the discovery of their whereabouts and the purpose to make 
them comfortable. He longed to see them and tell them of his 
success. Life without them, even with wealth at his command, 
was deprived of its greatest blessing; and life without the 
knowledge of their whereabouts, whether living or dead, was 
simply unbearable. He had returned to learn all at whatever 
cost or sacrifice to himself. 

It will be remembered at the time of his escape Edgeumb 
had charged himself with the performance of a double mission 
— the completion of his invention and the conviction of Coulter. 
When he had taken upon himself this mission, he was a refugee, 
hiding in out-of-the-way places, hungry and penniless, save the 
few dollars which were given him by the kind-hearted brewer. 
Then it seemed an insuperable task, and nothing could have 
looked more dismal than the future. But a series of circum- 
stances had since enabled him to accomplish one part of his 
mission, and it was to perform the other that he found to be an 
equally strong inducement to return. He could not rest in dis- 
grace. The world might never know that he was Stanley 
Edgeumb. He might perhaps live out the full measure of his 
days under the deception ; but still there was the consciousness 
of deception and a sting to his pride at being deprived of that 
which was rightfully his — a fair name. No; he was deter- 
mined to make every effort and to use every means to restore 
honor to his family and himself by delivering the true murderer 
into the hands of justice. He well understood the advantages 
which a position of respect in the community would afford in 
the work to which he had consecrated himself. Hampered by 
suspicion ho could accomplish nothing, and he fully realized 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


275 


that only by a bold stroke could be place himself above its level 
where success would attend his efforts. 

Morton could have chosen no better field for his operations 
than the speculative, which Chicago offered at this time, for it 
was upon the eve of development into one of the greatest 
speculative centers in the world. He shrewdly discerned the 
opportunities and probabilities, the environments and develop- 
ments which were slowly but surely working in that direction. 
There was need oi a powerful and daring hand to shape the 
plastic and venturesome spirit of the West — a spirit which the 
war had largely engendered ; and he felt that he was the man 
for the emergency. Actuated by these views, he entered into a 
series of operations in the market, which resulted so successfully 
that he became at once the lion of the hour, and was followed 
with the keenest interest wherever he went. 

The speculation as to who the mysterious stranger really was, 
which had been rife since his first appearance, soon became 
greatly intensified. The man wa% so exclusive in his manner, 
so noble in his bearing, so secret in his methods, and so mys- 
terious in all, that he was dubbed with the sobriquet of the 

Duke of Arcanum, and by this title was invariably known 
thereafter. 

Morton seemed to have a predilection for his occupation, 
for he conducted his deals so skillfully and secretly that 
he baffled the wisest heads in their efforts to forecast his 
intentions. There was a train of followers ever on the qui vive 
to gain some information of his transactions in order to turn 
it to their own account; but he was so fertile in devices for 
confusing them that he managed to keep them in a constant 
state of dubitation as to his real intentions. Everything about 
the man and his methods had an air of mystery so deep and 
unfathomable that his person became invested with a sort of 
romantic interest and charm. 

In the course of six months Morton had added a million more 
to his fortune. About this time he purchased a magnificent 
mansion on one of the South Side avenues and furnished it 
luxuriously. Immediately there was a flutter in society, whose 
devotees supposed that they were about to obtain a glimpse of 
the inner life of this remarkable man. Up to this time none 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


27G 

had been able to say whether the “ Duke of Arcanum had 
come to stay permanently or not. The popular idea still pre- 
vailed that he belonged to the English nobility, and it was 
expected that with the purchase of a costly mansion he would 
cut a dash in society. But to their chagrin it was seen that, 
like a royal recluse, he occupied his mansion alone with his 
servants. 

However, Morton was not so obdurate after all. Indeed, he 
was willing that the social world should satisfy its curiosity to a 
certain extent. It might inspect the house, but not the master. 
It might pry into his cabinets and galleries, but not into 
his personal antecedents. But there were preparations to 
be made which required time, such as interior decorations, 
marvelous collections of art, etc., before even this simple phase 
of his inner life could be submitted to public inspection. 

Curiosity was still at its maximum height when it was suddenly 
announced that the Duke of Arcanum was about to give a 
reception. It was an absorbing topic of conversation in society, 
for people felt assured that it would be a grand affair. As is 
always the case with regard to the mysterious, there was a 
strange fascination about it all and an ineluctable desire to meet 
at his own hearthstone the man about whom so many strange 
fancies had been woven. People knew him at best through his 
carriage window or upon the bourse. He had no intimate rela- 
tions with any one. Some there were who obtained a distant 
bow of recognition, hut tew even that. 

The invitations, which were soon forthcoming, were of the 
most exclusive character, reaching only those of undoubted social 
prominence. There was one exception, however j one unpre- 
tentious home which was iionored with an invitation from the 
hands of a special messenger sent t)y the Duke of Arcanum. 
It was unmistakably genuine, for Humphrey Davids and his wife 
both peeped through the blinds and saw the messenger depart 
in the magnificent equipage drawn by the beautiful creams which 
was a familiar object in the South Division. It surpassed the 
understanding of the lawyer and his wife to receive such dis- 
tinction at the hands of Jasper Morton, for they had never cut 
any figure in society. The lines with which opulence so closely 
encircles the aristocracy had, of course, excluded them, and they 


THE DUKE OE AECANUM, 


277 


had moved on a humbler plane of life. Both thought it inex- 
plicable, but when the lawyer read the contents of an autograph 
letter from Jasper Morton, which the messenger had delivered, 
their surprise knew no bounds, for it ran as follows : 

Humphrey Davids, Esq. 

Sir— You will see by the accompanying invitation that I am about to give 
a reception at my residence on the evening of the second of November next. 
Being a man without marital relations 1 have, consequently, no one to do the 
honors of the occasion. I have been prompted by the suggestion of one who 
has your welfare at heart to invite your estimable lady to assume the respon- 
sibility of hostess on that occasion, and I sincerely hope that she will kindly 
consent. 

Being a stranger to you both, it may seem unwarrantable in addressing you 
upon such a matter ; but I beg that you will consider the circumstances of 
the case ; that I am comparatively among strangers ; that I am desirous of 
selecting one who will act with becoming grace ; and that your lady has been 
chosen among all others by a well-wisher, and the selection not only approved, 
but the acceptance urgently requested by myself. You may think that the 
expense involved in preparation may bo burdensome. . I understand the situ- 
fition fully, and desiring to bear such expense ? inclose a check for her use. 
Have no hesitation whatever in accepting it, as it is a matter between our- 
selves, of which th% world shall have no knowledge. In case of her accept- 
ancQ my carriage will be sent for you early in the evening of the day. I 
greatly desire that these arrangements bo kept between ourselves until the 
evening designated. 

Hoping that I shall not be disappointed, and tendering my kindest wishes, 
I remain, llespectfully. Jasper Morton. 

Chicago, Oct. 20, 1873. 

Hiimpbrey Davids and bis wife were still more astonished 
upon seeing the denomination of the check inclosed — ten 
thousand dollars. 

They did not know what to think of it. They had heard and 
read much in the papers concerning Jasper Morton, or the 

Duke of Arcanum, as he was popularly called. They had 
seen his princely equipage pass and had been told that its 
occupant was the mysterious man of the bourse. They had 
heard and read a great deal of gossip concerning his palatial 
home, also the announcement of his reception. But they looked 
upon it as a matter of more interest to the gilded butterflies of 
fashion than to themselves ; it being so far above their pre- 
tensions. Such events had more interest for Madam Davids 
than for her husband. She had a feminine weakness for them, 


278 


THE DUKE OF ABCANVM. 

and it enraptured her to think how grand it must be to soar in 
such an exclusive atmosphere. She was ambitious, full of pride 
and yearning, and it can readily be imagined how her heart 
leaped for joy as she saw the contents of Jasper Morton’s 
message to her husband. 

Well; well ! exclaimed the lawyer, looking at his wife with 
a puzzled air. That man has a title which suits him pre- 
cisely. 

“ Do you mean the 'Duke of Arcanum ? ^ Why so ? asked 
his wife. 

" YeS; certainly. Arcanum means that which is secret, 
hidden, or mysterious. The Duke of Mystery ! What could be 
more mysterious than this ? 

husband, I thought that he was a real duke, and 
that that was his lawful title. 

"The 'Duke of Arcanum^ is only a sobriquet. He may 
belong to the English peerage for all that. There are many 
who assert that he does. But I cannot understand why he 
should have selected you, when we are not conspicuous in 
society. v. 

" But perhaps he wishes to make us so. You have a kind 
friend somewhere who has suggested it to him. You may 
depend upon it, there is something of the kind or how would he 
ever have known anything of us ? 

" I think you are right. There is some occult meaning which 
may be made clear to us sometime, but it surely is not now. I 
suppose it will be a royal affair, attended by all the wealth and 
fashion of the city. What do you think of it ? 

" Why, Humphrey, I think it is the greatest piece of good 
fortune we could ever have had. It will make us conspicuous. 
It will give us a position such as we never could have hoped to 
attain. It will draw attention to me as a society lady and to 
you as a professional man. People will begin to think that you 
are a great lawyer and will patronize you.^’ 

" But our income is not sufficient to maintain such a place 
in the social world. Our house is not fine or suitably fur- 
nished. 

Ah, true, but, husband, the ' Duke of Arcanum ^ has been 
wise enough to foresee all this. With the check which he has 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


279 


sent us I can buy a costume for the reception^ a family carriage 
and also refurnish oar house — the hall and parlors, especially — 
in a sumptuous style. Then, I think that very soon you will 
have a large clientage among wealthy people, and you know 
they expect to pay large fees. I think it well to cultivate the 
acquaintance of such men as Jasper Morton.’^ 

“ But, my good wife, I am afraid you are rather visionary. I 
fear it will not all turn out as rosy as you would have it. 

Well, we can try it, and if our hopes are not realized, we 
can drop back to our present station without suffering any 
humiliation.’^ 

“ Then you wish me to write to Mr. Morton and tell him that 
you will accept his invitation*?” 

Yes, Humphrey, and tell him that I thank him beyond my 
ability of expression. ” 

Humphrey Davids concluded that his wife’s argument was 
irresistible. It might lead to something else, and there would 
be no harm done if it did not, so he wrote a note of acceptance 
in which his thanks were expressed for Morton’s consideration. 

Madam Davids was in ecstasies over the affair. Her head 
was in such a whirl that she thought and talked of nothing 
else. She discussed with the leading modists the style of robe 
which she should wear upon that occasion, and sighed because 
Paris and its famous man-milliner were not available for her 
more exquisite adornment. 

Jasper Morton could hardly have made a more fortunate 
selection than he did, for Madam Davids only lacked the 
means, not the spirit, to cut a dash in society. But she was 
endowed with sufficient good sense not to encourage her tastes 
and burden her husband with extravagance. When the oppor- 
tunity was presented, however, and she could gratify her tastes 
without embarrassing him, it was simply irresistible. She was 
fond of society, gay and vivacious of spirit, charming in her 
address and unusually prepossessing in appearance. She 
seemed to have the faculty of pleasing all who came in contact 
with her. Without the least appearance of boldness she 
possessed that rare gift of personal assurance which places one 
at ease under all circumstances. 

The much-looked.- for day arrived, The weather was delight^ 


280 


THE DUKE OE AECANTIM. 


fill. Early in the evening :\rorton^s carriage stopped before 
Humphrey Davids^ residence. The lawyer and his wife were in 
readiness, and, seating themselves upon the soft cushions, were 
driven to the entrance of the great mansion. Upon ascending 
the brown-stone steps the massive oak doors opened as mysteri- 
ously as if they had been in charge of genii. Servants ushered 
them into the hall and up a broad, winding staircase into a 
large, luxuriously-furnished apartment. Madam Davids sank 
into a velvety seat to admire her surroundings while her hus- 
band’s eyes were fixed in a look of admiration upon her. He 
was so proud of her elegant appearance that all else seemed 
commonplace. 

Kemoving her wraps. Madam Davids stepped to the mirror 
to arrange her hair when suddenly her eyes fell upon an object 
which engaged her attention. It was a golden casket, wrought 
in a most beautiful and marvelous design. Upon the cover 
rested a card with an inscription which she read at a glance: 

TO 

Mrs. Humphrey Davids, 

WITH THE 

Compliments of Jasper Morton. 

Her bewilderment in consequence was such that it was some 
seconds ere she recovered herself sufficiently to speak. Then, 
turning excitedly to her husband, she exclaimed: “ Humphrey, 
do come here, quick ! Just look at this casket, and see the 
card attached bearing my name. ” 

Mr. Davids could scarcely understand for a minute the cause 
of his wife’s ebullient manifestations of delight; but upon step- 
liing to her side he did not marvel at it. Astonishment was 
depicted on his face as well as hers. Great Cmsar ! What 
next, what next!” the husband exclaimed; and taking the 
bauble in his hands to examine it, he added: ^^And it’s pure 
gold, too.” 

Pure gold ! Humphrey, you don’t think it’s gold, do you?” 

Why certainly; it’s weight shows as much. If it were not 
gold it would not be so heavy. Lift it, my dear, and see.” 

Madam Davids took the precious gift in her hands. I 


THE DUKE OF ABC AHUM. 281 

suppose it is a jewel case, but what shall I do for jewels to put 
in 

“ You are in about the same predicament as the old woman 
who had a very fine stye but no pigs to put in It. Perhaps you 
are in a trifie better position, for one can get mock diamonds 
whereas one can’t mock pigs. You will have to fill it with 
an assortment of Rhinestones. Open the lid and let us see the 
lining.” 

A reply was unnecessary, for as Madam Davids raised the 
lid they beheld, resting on a cushion of pale blue satin a mag- 
nificent diamond necklace and earrings. Neither could utter a 
word. The power of speech had momentarily deserted them. 
Madam Davids seemed really in danger of dropping the casket, 
whereupon her husband relieved her of it. Then, escorting her 
to a low couch, he placed the trinket in her lap that she might 
give it a closer inspection. 

Well, Humphrey, you may well ask ‘ what next.’ Are we 
under a spell of enchantment, or is this real ? I never saw any- 
thing so perfectly beautiful in all my life, and it is intended for 
me.” 

“ They are certainly for you, my dear. The ^ Duke of Ar- 
canum’ would not have left them here had he not intended 
them for you. ” 

“ But this is all so mysterious !” exclaimed his wife. 

Yes, it is incomprehensible. It has been so from the first.” 

“ Oh, dear ! I’m so curious to see this wonderful man.” 

You will be face to face with him in a few minutes.” 

What shall I say to him or hoW shall I thank him for all 
this?” 

“ I hardly know myself, as I have no acquaintance with him. 
It may be that any demonstration on your part would be repug- 
nant to him, especially so if he has a sensitive nature. You 
can tell better when you see him how to act. ” 

“ Oh, dear, I am so impulsive; I hope I shall not offend him. 
Shall I put on the jewels ?” 

“ Why, certainly; he wishes you to wear them to-night or he 
would have chosen some other occasion to present them. 
Arrange yourself as soon as possible and let us descend to make 
the acquaintance of our mysterious friend.” 


282 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


jMadam Davids posed before the mirror to arrange the 
drapery of her rich costume, then, removing her dainty bonnet, 
with skillful touches here and there she restored her coiffure 
to its original elaborateness. Then removing the pearl rings 
from her ears she replaced them with the magnificent gems 
from the casket. Likewise the glittering necklace replaced the 
cameo at her throat ; after which, surveying her profile in the 
glass for an instant, she turned to her husband and said : 
‘‘ There, Pm ready ; how do I look?^’ 

Like a queen, my dear. I’m sure the ^ Duke of Arcanum’ 
would say so, too, if he dared,” answered the lawyer, with a 
smile. “ Come, let us descend.” 

No man ever offered his arm more proudly to his wife than 
did Humphrey Davids. Passing down the stairs together they 
entered the parlors, which were dazzling with the brilliant 
prismatic illumination of the chandeliers, and the variegated 
colors of the flowers. The hour was yet somewhat early for the 
advent of the heau monde. Pending their arrival, Morton had 
taken a seat alone in the great parlor, and as the lawyer and his 
wife entered he rose in a dignified manner and proffered his 
hand, saying : I presume that I have the honor of receiving 
Mr. and Mrs. Davids, have I not ?” 

We are, indeed, sir, the objects of your mysterious consid- 
eration, Mr. Morton. Let me x)resent you to my wife, who will 
express both her surprise and gratitude for your royal kind- 
ness,” the lawyer replied. 

Morton bowed deferentially, and extended his hand to 
Madam Davids. The latter returned the salutation in the 
most charming manner, saying : “ Mr. Morton, I am delighted 
to meet one of whom I have heard and read so much, and of 

whose princely generosity I have ” 

Don’t, Madam, don’t, I beg of you. Deem it sufficient o 
say Jasper Morton, nothing more. I will admit that you have 
done me a distinguished favor in consenting to receive my 
guests to-night. I extend to you and your husband a cordial 
welcome, and I hope that you in turn will extend the same to 
all who enter my house this evening. ” 

I will certainly do my best, Mr. Morton.” 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM, 283 

I feel assured that it could not have been placed in better 
hands. 

Don’t be too sanguine, but I surely appreciate your confi- 
dence.” 

Morton smiled, and invited them to seats. Madam Davids’ 
eyes wandered about the parlors admiringly, while her husband 
sought to engage Morton in conversation. 

“ Your preparations have been very elaborate, Mr. Morton,” 
he said, casting his eyes about. 

“ Oh, isn’t it all exquisite!” joined in Madam Davids. The 
sight and odor of the flowers make me feel as if I were in some 
enchanted spot like the Vale of Cashmere.” 

“ I hope it will serve to make the occasion as enjoyable to 
others,” Morton returned. 

There can be no doubt of it, ” returned Madam Davids, assur- 
ingly. But tell me, Mr. Morton, how did you come to know 
anything about us, and why did your choice fall upon me?” 

“ Why, Madam, I consulted an oracle, and it instructed me 
what to do, ” Morton mischievously replied. 

“ How evasive you gentlemen are.” 

Only when ladies are too inquisitive, my dear. Mr. Mor- 
ton may desire to keep his reasons to himself,” Humphrey 
Davids suggested. 

“ Well, I can’t complain of his royal generosity, but ladies 
are always curious to know the whys and wherefores.” 

Well,” said Morton, you know society is somewhat pecu- 
liar. It frequently becomes disgruntled through petty jeal- 
ousies. It always craves some novelty, too. I thought it best, 
you see, to provide against the misfortune of one and add to the 
interest of the other by raising a queen for its adoration ; one 
who would materialize as suddenly and mysteriously as if 
brought forth by the touch of a magician’s wand.” 

A general laugh followed. Morton glanced at his watch, 
then, rising, said : We still have half an hour to ourselves 
before the company will begin to arrive. Come, and I will 
show you my art collection and conservatory,” and he led the 
way, followed by the lawyer and his wife. 

Passing into and across the broad hall, Morton conducted 
them to a spacious art gallery, the walls of which, from ceiling 


284 


THE LUKE OF ABCANUM. 


to floor, were respleodeut with a treasure of art, many famous 
names being represented. 

Humphrey Davids and his wife had met with nothing hut 
constant and increasing surprises since the receipt of Morton’s 
letter, and here again was another. At every step they mar- 
veled. It wasjincomparably beyond their expectations. Hanged 
around the room, standing on ebony pedestals, were also beau- 
tiful busts and statues in marble and bronze. The floor was 
laid in mosaic in patterns of Oriental rugs. 

As they passed slowly around the room Morton pointed suc- 
cessively to the pictures, giving the artist’s name and a few 
words of explanation. Finally they came to one, the portrait 
of a lady, and, pausing before it, the visitors observed that 
Morton’s face lightened with a sudden animation, and for a 
moment there seemed to be a relaxation of studied dignity and 
restraint. 

“ This,” he said, turning to his visitors, I prize more highly 
than all the others. It is a genuine Kaphael sent to me by the 
Marquis of Follansbee, who purchased it from the galleries of 
the Louvre at a cost which seems almost fabulous for a work of 
art.” 

Humphrey and Madam David sexchanged looks of astonish- 
ment, whereupon the latter asked : “ Husband, will these won- 
ders never cease? Raphael! Louvre! Follansbee! Just to 
think, I am standing here admiring that lovely face four hun- 
dred years — four long, musty centuries after its creation.” 

Yes, Madam, and you see the picture is well preserved.” 

As well as if it were done but yesterday. I suppose you 
consider it priceless. ” 

Yes, I should be loath to part with it — for the i)resent, at 
least. ” 

It strikes me that I have seen a face somewhere that 
strongly resembles it,” remarked Humphrey Davids, with an 
air of reflection, as he scanned the picture earnestly through his 
eye-glasses. 

Morton smiled, for he well knew whose face the lawyer had 
in mind, but could not recall. 

“ Indeed ! I hardly think it was the original, my dear, ” 
Madam Davids laughingly retorted. 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 285 

^‘Well, I have seen somebody — somebody for whom that 
picture was taken. 

The room resounded with a merry laugh from Madam Davids. 

Ah ! it was not your wife, that^s certain. I should hope that 
I am not quite so ancient as to have posed for that portrait, Mr. 
Davids. 

You might be a trifle diffident about acknowledging your 
age if such were the case, Morton dryly observed. 

Yes, yes, indeed, I should, and again there came a merry 
ripple, in which she was joined, by both husband and host. 

“ It is said,^^ remarked Humphrey Davids, “ that artists paint 
from inspiration. Eaphael may have left his inspiration so 
thoroughly absorbed in his brush-marks that it has been com- 
municated to me after having been buried in the pigments four 
hundred years ; and hence I may imagine that the face before 
me is that of a living reality. 

My husband has a very clever imagination, don’t you think 
so, Mr. Morton 

Or, perhaps, is very susceptible to inspiration,” suggested 
Morton. 

Yes, a pretty face is very inspiring, I admit,” the lawyer 
acknowledged. 

They passed on to examine other pictures, and having made 
the circuit of the gallery Morton led the way to the conserva- 
tory, upon entering which Madam Davids exclaimed: Oh, 
what a bower of Eden ! How exquisite ! How charming ! Mr. 
Morton, besides being a dilettante, you must be considerable of 
a botanist also. ” 

Why do you think I am either. Madam?” 

“ Oh, you have surrounded yourself with so much that is 
rare and beautiful, and such harmony in all. One meets with 
the evidence of good taste everywhere. I am sure that this 
reception will be a great surprise to all, and will be equally 
enjoyable.” 

Madam, I am exceedingly grateful for the compliment you 
have paid me, but I fear it is undeserved. ” 

I think my wife’s sentiments will be fully indorsed by all 
the guests,” said the lawyer. 

The conservatory was, indeed, a most attractive place. Mor- 


286 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


ton had consulted the best florists, and had visited the finest 
botanical gardens of the East in search of his selections. Many 
varieties of tropical plants were to be seen, some being rare 
species|from New Zealand, Sumatra and the South Sea Islands, 
while Florida, California and Mexico had contributed their bet- 
ter known though not less interesting varieties. In about the 
center of the conservatory, by the side of a large Australian tree 
fern, stood a little table upon which lay two or three open vol- 
umes of standard botanical works. Upon approaching it, Mor- 
ton remarked : This you see is one of my favorite haunts. I 
spend a great deal of time here in the study of botany. I find it 
very fascinating. 

It must be ; it is so delightful that I should wish to spend 
the greater part of my time here, did this house belong to me,” 
said Madam Davids. 

“Yes, my wife would make her bed of ferns and roses in 
here were she mistress of this home. She has all the feminine 
weakness for flowers and plants, I assure you,” added the hus- 
band. 

“ It can hardly be called a weakness in feminine character; 
it is rather an instinct belonging to the sex. I believe that 
flowers and plants, and even the trees and the verdure, were 
created for their especial benefit. There is an affinity between 
Nature and the gentler sex. These finer sensibilities in man 
are, in a measure, merely rudimentary. He is adapted to the 
sterner and more heroic phases of life. You see, Mr. Davids, 
that in loving woman we love everything that is beautiful in 
Nature.” 

“ That is right, Mr. Morton, stand up for the ladies,” said 
Madam Davids, in a vivacious manner. 

More merriment followed, and they left the conservatory to 
return to the reception room. 

“ Oh, the fragrance is bewildering to the senses !” exclaimed 
Madam Davids, upon entering. 

“Yes; one would almost think we were in a” 

Humphrey Davids really forgot what he was going to say, he 
was so lost in admiration in gazing at his wife, who, with stately 
step and queenly bearing, was gliding down the center of the 


mu DtiKE OV ARCAl^tiM. 28 ? 

long room to examine a floral display at the farther end. Mor- 
ton looked amused. 

Soon there was a sound of vehicles upon the pavement and 
the guests began to arrive. The ushers were at their places to 
direct them to the toilet-rooms above. Tendering his arm to 
Madam Davids, Morton escorted ber to a convenient position 
to receive the guests, who soon began to rapidly fill the spacious 
rooms. As they entered, Humphrey and Mrs. Davids received 
them and presented them to Morton, who welcomed them in a 
dignified but courteous manner. Mrs. Davids performed the 
functions of her office with most charming grace. Although 
her toilet seemed to be the cynosure of all eyes, yet she appeared 
so artless, and there was such ease and naivete in her manner, 
that she charmed all who came within her immediate presence. 

The brilliant assemblage, representing the wealth and elite of 
Chicago, which Jasper Morton had gathered about him, was 
soon in the height of the evening’s enjoyment. Morton himself 
seemed to be the pivotal point of attraction. He was continu- 
ally surrounded by a coterie of distinguished people who were 
eager to pass a word with him. He greeted them pleasantly, 
but his face wore a look of quiet reserve which seemed to serve 
as an intimation that the Duke of Arcanum” could not be 
approached upon terms of much closer intimacy. He talked of 
general matters, principally European, and appeared to be so 
familiar with them, and especially with those concerning Lon- 
don, that it became an accepted fact, without inquiry, that he 
had resided there the greater part of his life. 

People had expected that when Jasper Morton gave his 
reception, the mystery surrounding his person would be cleared 
away. They even seemed to anticipate some surprising 
announcement from him, and when they beheld only an unpre- 
tentious gentleman, who laid claims to nothing beyond what any 
of them might assert, they were puzzled, and the mystery deep- 
ened and became even more inexplicable than ever. 

Madam Davids, too, had her share of attention. It was 
freely admitted that of all the magnificent toilets of the evening 
hers was the most superb. “Dear me, who can she be! Is 
she a relative of the Duke? How charming 1” — were the ques- 
tions and comments freely heard. But when it became whis- 


288 


THE HUKE OF AFCANUM. 


pered about that she was the wife of a prornineut lawyer of the 
city, they envied her even more, and were ready to claim an 
acquaintance which had never existed. Madam Davids was in 
the gayest of spirits. She felt the importance of her position, 
and was determined to sustain it in an enviable way. Her win- 
grace attracted many fiiends, and before the evening was 
over she saw herself recognized as a queen of society, with dev- 
otees and willing subjects all about her. 

The art gallery and conservatory were the chief places of 
attraction. Through Madam Davids it soon became known that 
the former contained a Raphael from the Louvre, sent by the 
Marquis of Follansbee, which had cost a fabulous sum. The 
latter part of the statement was strongly emphasized, for society 
invariably emphasizes everything which possesses an unusual 
monetary significance, just as it magnifies a novelty by convert- 
ing it into a fad. The picture was invested with a marvelous 
charm because it had cost many thousands of dollars; and all 
the persiflage of the amiable beau monde concerning it reflected 
the influence of bank-notes more than the splendor of the artist’s 
name. And the Marquis of Follansbee ! Intimate friend of the 
mysterious Duke ! Thus the picture relates Morton to the 
nobility, and the gossips aggrandize him. 

During the evening Madam Davids found herself beset by 
inquisitive people, who wished to learn something concerning 
their mysterious host. 

“ He must have a princely fortune,’^ suggested Madam For- 
sythe. 

I presume he owns a diamond mine,” said Miss Genevieve 
Akers, unintentionally eyeing the magnificent necklace. 

Madam Davids’ face flushed, though no allusion to herself was 
intended, but fortunately her momentary discomfiture was 
unnoticed. 

“ He is undoubtedly an English nobleman, for he seems to be 
on such intimate terms with the Marquis of Follansbee, ” vent- 
ured the stately Madam Dafney. 

'' Oh, yes; he is a duke — the 'Duke of Arcanum,’ ” replied 
Madam Davids, smilingly. 

" Is that really his title?” asked young Miss Fitzgerald, inno- 
cently. 


lEE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


280 


Parsed lips and twinkling eyes warned her that she had been 
guilty of an embarrassing misapprehension^ and, embracing the 
first opportunity, she slipped away unobserved. 

Madam Davids was very careful not to say much concerning 
the ^^Duke/^ for fear of exposing her own ignorance. But it 
pleased her to convey the idea that Jasper Morton was on 
friendly terms with herself and husband. She would have people 
believe, for the sake of effect, that they secretly knew more con- 
cerning him than they were willing to admit. It was her delight 
to pose in the attitude of holding the mysterious aegis behind 
which the “ Duke of Arcanum was safe from the inquisitive 
shafts of the public. 

Refreshments and soft music added to the delight of the even- 
ing. Then came the promenade, which was led by Morton and 
Madam Davids. The orchestra poured forth most bewitching 
strains. Passing through the library into the court, they en- 
tered the spacious dining-hall, which was profusely decorated 
with flowers. In the center of this room stood a silver fountain 
of unique design, shooting forth sprays of the most delicate 
perfume, freighting the air with almost overpowering fragrance. 
At the farther end of the hall was a small bower from whence 
the music came, but which concealed the musicians from view. 

The brilliant gathering followed in the promenade. With the 
charming hostess leaning lightly on his arm, Morton led the 
way around the fountain, thence to the conservatory, art gal- 
lery, hall and reception-room, where the promenade had com- 
menced. After traversing the same round many times, and 
with delightful strains still pouring forth, and merry voices till- 
ing the rooms. Madam Davids and her escort passed up the 
winding stairs. It was an intimation that the reception was at 
an end. 




CHAPTER XXI. 

THE HUCKSTER. 

Almost from the day of his return Morton had been untiring 
in his search for his family. He had walked or driven upon 
nearly every street in the city. He had made inquiries for them 
wherever he could do so prudently, but without success. He 
could not avail himself of the usual means resorted to in search- 
ing for those who are lost — the detective agencies, the police, 
and the newspaper columns — as it would excite suspicion and 
prove disastrous to him. He was becoming disheartened over 
his failure, when it occurred to him one day that he might make 
use of Jarmyn in locating the lost ones. Who would know 
where they were better than he? It was true that two years 
and a half had elapsed since his escape, but still it was quite 
probable that Jarmyn had not failed to keep a sharp lookout 
for him. , He had undoubtedly long since, through his own 
efforts or those of his agents, discovered Imogen’s where- 
abouts, and had kept her home under surveillance in expecta- 
tion that sooner or later the delinquent would appear. Perhaps 
then by throwing a bait to the detective, by watching him 
closely, he could find where the watch was kept and thus be 
able to put himself in communication with her. It seemed to be 
a bold and novel undertaking without much assurance of suc- 
cess, but he was willing to embrace any plan which offered the 
least encouragement. It would, however, require the utmost 
caution, as Jarmyn was ever on the alert, and ever ready 
with his suspicions. The nature of his calling rendered him so ; 
and Morton knew that should he once arouse them, the situa- 
tion would be reversed and he would find himself watched in- 
stead. When his resolution was fully taken he sat down to his 
desk and penned the following : 

Jarmyn, Detective. ' Chicago, May 2, 1874. 

Sir — I am positive that 1 saw the escaped murderer, Edgcumb, enter his 
wife’s house last evening. You know the location ; watch it and bag the game. 

[Signed] One of the J heors.” 

290 


THE HUCKSTEB, 291 

Morton calculated that by mailing the information then that 
Jarmyn would receive it the next morning, and would probably 
lose no time in taking action in the matter. 

Jarmyn scratched his head upon reading the letter. His steel- 
gray eyes twinkled with keen satisfaction. Like a cunning fox 
he examined the bait well before attempting to seize it. He 
examined the handwriting closely. He considered its anonymous 
character and indulged in speculations as to the real or hidden 
intentions of the writer. But with all the consideration of its 
many aspects, there seemed to be nothing unnatural about it. 
The fox was hungry and seized the tempting morsel. 

Jarmyn said nothing about the matter, but went on coolly 
with the examination of other letters and papers before him. 
Having finished, he held a short consultation with the Chief of 
Police in reference to general duties, then left the office. Morton 
was lying in wait conveniently near. The detective moved away 
at a brisk pace. Taking a westerly course he crossed the South 
Branch and entered the West Division with the very man whom 
he was searching for close at his heels. After half an houPs walk 
he turned into a quiet street and stopped ; and as he did so 
Morton stepped behind a tree near the walk to wait develop- 
ments. 

Before leaving his office Jarmyn had instructed an officer by 
telegraph to meet him at the corner where he then stood, and 
it was but a moment after his arrival when he appeared. A 
short consultation ensued, Jarmyn frequently pointing toward 
the block beyond. Then, to Mortoffis surprise, he entered a 
passing car and returned in the direction from which he had 
come. 

Morton considered it probable that Jarmyn had instructed 
the officer to watch the neighboring premises during the day 
with the intention of returning himself at night. Feeling con- 
fident that he could accomplish more under cover of darkness, 
he also left, resolved upon returning in the evening ; but not 
until he had determined by the officer's movements upon which 
side of the street the dwelling was located, and had carefully 
estimated the probable distance from the corner beyond. 

Keturning after nightfall Morton approached the locality 
from the opposite direction. He saw two men standing on the 


292 


THE DUKE OE AECANUM. 


coi ner where he had last seen Jarinyn in the morning, and con- 
cluded that it must he those in whose movements he was so 
deeply interested. They were looking toward him; but in a 
quiet and unobtrusive manner he advanced. Upon reaching the 
middle of the block he came upon a yard with plentiful shruh- 

ery, and opening the gate he entered and ensconced himself in 
the hushes where he could look betw^een the fence palings and 
get a view of the opposite side of the street. He had not long 
to wait ere Jarmyn and the officer appeared across the way and 
stopped before a neat-looking cottage almost directly vis-a-vis. 
The gate w-as opened noiselessly and the two men entered the 
yard, the officer going to the rear by a narrow passagew'ay 
which led to the kitchen door, while Jarmyn, with cat-like 
stealth, crept up the front steps to the little porch across the 
front of the house. The old-fashioned outside blinds w^ere 
closed, and everything upon the exterior looked dark and unin- 
teresting. Morton could see plainly the detective’s silhouette 
against the white background of the cottage, and an instant 
latei- a bright glimmer of light flashed from between the slats 
whieh he had turned for the purpose of peering in. He wmtched 
his movements with bated breath. He could almost fancy him- 
self sitting quietly with his family, while his enemy lurked un- 
consciously near, ready to pounce upon him. 

Jarmyn spent several minutes in peering through the shutters 
at the inmates of the house. Then he tried the door, but found 
it locked. A quick jerk of the bell was promptly followed by 
the opening of the door and the appearance of a little child 
upon the threshold. Pushing it aside he entered the house and 
closed the door after him. 

Morton had gained his point. By making a dupe of Jarmyn, 
he had at last discovered the location of his loved ones, for he 
recognized Paget in the doorway. He was satisfied ; and there 
being no reason why he should remain longer, he left his hiding- 
place; and, while Jarmyn was within, searching every closet 
and corner for him, he hastened away from the locality. 

Upon reaching home and satisfying his hunger, Morton went 
into the conservatory, lighted a cigar, and sat down in his easy 
chair to ponder over some plan by which he could communicate 
with his wife. He was in high spirits at the prospect of seeing 


THE HUCKSTER. 


293 


her again. At no time since his return had he been so happy as 
over the success of that day’s undertaking. ^^And it was ac- 
complished so quickly,” he meditated. Here I have spent a 
whole year in searching for them, and now, at last, have found 
them in a single day, by resorting to a little strategy. It’s 
singular the idea did not occur to me before. Poor Jarniyn ! I 
am sorry to put him to so much trouble, but I could not avoid 
it. ” Then he enjoyed a hearty laugh. 

Morton did not make any attempt to communicate with Imo- 
gen for several days, as he feared that Jarmyn might be lurking 
near. Having some heavy transactions in the market at the 
time, he gave his attention wholly to them, going on ’Change 
every morning at his accustomed hour and mystifying the brokers 
by his manipulation of values, for whichever way the crowd 
thought the Duke of Arcanum” was operating, they were sure 
to follow with a wild rush. Did he make any demonstrations 
toward bearing the market, everybody at once became sellers; 
or were his efforts in the other direction, all were eager to buy. 
Thus he found it necessary to resort to many misleading devices 
to cover his real operations; now making a feint in one direc- 
tion, and quietly working in another. His manipulations had 
been so successful, that at this period of our narrative he had 
accumulated several millions of dollars, and his name had become 
a factor in speculation wherever values were influenced by Chi- 
cago fluctuations. About this time he established a bureau of 
information for his own benefit, and also installed himself in a 
splendid office in the neighborhood of the Chamber of Commerce. 
Agencies were established in all parts of the country, and also 
in the speculative centers of Europe, for the purpose of obtaining 
the earliest and most reliable news respecting crop prospects, 
movement of cereals, the weather, foreign markets, and in fact 
everything which had an influence upon the grain markets of 
the world. By this means he was kept thoroughly advised in 
advance of others. Were there any news abroad, his cable dis- 
patches were the first to announce it. It was an expensive 
matter to maintain such a bureau, but the magnitude of his 
operations now rendered it necessary. Every morning, before the 
opening of ’Change, he had at his finger-tips the pulse of the 
speculative world. During the night and morning his dispatches 


294 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


had come from all points and had been arranged by his corps of 
assistants for his inspection ; after which he could shape his vent- 
ures with the inevitable course of the markets. 

In about a week^s time Morton had cleared up all his deals at 
a handsome profit, and was ready to take the risk of seeing his 
wife and children. In one of bis rambles, while searching for 
them a short time before, he had met a huckster with a load of 
vegetables, driving along the streets, selling from door to door. 
The huckster was a young fellow of about twenty years of age, 
and upon inquiry Morton learned that he supported his widowed 
mother and some younger children in this manner, buying his 
supplies in the city and peddling them about from house to 
house. Morton said to him : “ Give me your address, my 

friend. It may be that I can help you find some better business. 
The huckster gladly consented, and Morton found that he lived 
in a small house near the western limits of the city. A few days 
later, when he had discovered the location of his family, he 
bethought himself of the incident. It occurred to him that he 
might purchase this young fellow's outfit some morning and 
visit his wife without much danger of detection. He remem- 
bered of having taken his address, and upon searching his 
pockets brought forth a little piece of soiled and crumpled 
paper, upon which was written the desired information. A 
capital idea, " he mused. It was a fortunate occurrence, my 
meeting with the fellow. I shall have to find him at once. It 
was a wise precaution in taking his address, for I should not 
have remembered where he lived." 

When the time came for action Morton told his coachman to 
have his carriage at the door at sharp five o'clock in the 
morning. The man evinced much surprise, but Morton repeated 
his order, “ sharp five o'clock in the morning," so there could 
be no misunderstanding about it. The coachman was prompt, 
and at the appointed time the creams were prancing before the 
mansion. Morton did not wait' to be called, but stepped out, 
gave the coachman directions where to proceed, and entered 
the vehicle. The weather was fine, one of the most delightful 
of spring days. The horses felt the exhilarating effects of an 
early airing, and as the coachman leaped upon his seat and 
tightened the reins they dashed away as lightly as butterfiics 


THE HUCKSTEB. 


295 


before a gentle zephyr. Arriving at a point near the indicated 
address Morton dismissed the coachman, with instructions to 
return, and finished the distance on foot. Upon arriving he 
found the huckster with his horse harnessed, and about to set 
forth with a load of potatoes. Accosting him pleasantly he re- 
marked : Good morning, my friend. I see you are about to 

make an early start. 

Yes ; I have to be ofi‘ early these fine mornings,^’ returned 
the youth, regarding Morton curiously, as if puzzled to account 
for his‘ appearance at such an unseasonable hour. 

What are you going to sell to-day asked Morton. 

Pertaters, sir ; I^ve got a load of fine ones for this season of 
the year. IPs mighty hard in the spring, you know, to get hold 
of good pertaters. 

I suppose it is. How much do you get a bushel for them 

“ A dollar a bushel, sir, or twenty-five cents a peck.^^ 

How many bushels have you on the load 

There^s nigh onto twenty bushel of ’em.^’ 

That is twenty dollars. Now, will you take twenty dollars 
for the load, boy^P^ 

Why, yes, an^ be darnation glad to do it, too. Wheredl you 
have ^em delivered 

Hold on; I^m not through yet. What do you value the 
horse and wagon at 

The huckster looked perplexed. The question seemed absurd 
to him. Shaking his head, he replied : Guess you donT want 
to buy the old mare, she ainT worth much to anybody. 

But I want you to put a good fair price on the horse and 
wagon, and then I will make you a proposition.^^ 

Well, sir,^^ replied the lad honestly, “ we only gave a hun- 
dred an^ fifty dollars for the horse, wagon an’ harness three 
years ago, but she’s got badly wind-broken since.” 

“A hundred and fifty dollars three years ago,” repeated 
^lorton. “And twenty dollars worth of potatoes — one hun- 
dred and seventy dollars. Will you take that sum for the whole 
outfit 

“I think I would,” replied the huckster, I’ll go an’ ask 
mother about it.” 

Well, ke quick ; I am to a burry,” 


290 


rilK iniKK OF AnCAXFM. 


Tlie boy entered tbe house to tell his mother of the stranger^s 
offer. He was gone several minutes, daring which time Morton 
pretended to examine the animal, looking in her mouth and at 
her eyes and limbs. Occasionally he glanced at the house and 
saw the faces of a middle-aged woman and a number of chil- 
dren i^eering curiously out at him. Returning the huckster said : 

Mother says if you’re really in earnest about the offer, an’ll 
pay her in cash, you may have the rig at that price.” 

All right, my boy j now I’m paying you a good price for it 
and T want to ask a favor of you. Will you lend me your over- 
alls, jacket and hat to-day? I will return them before night 
without fail.” 

“ Of course, sir; they’re of no account an’ wouldn’t be no great 
loss if you didn’t. ” Morton then counted out the money and 
paid it over, saying : “ There’s the money. Now give me those 
things you have on as quickly as possible.” 

They went into the barn together to make the change, and 
when they reappeared Morton was metamorphosed into a huck- 
ster, wearing a pair of brown jean overalls, a cardigan jacket 
and a broad-brimmed slouch hat, the crown of which was par- 
tially torn away. His own coat and hat were brought out 
wrapped in a piece of burlap, and thrown into one of the large 
baskets on the load. Then climbing into the seat, he seized the 
lines and drove away, remarking as he passed through the gate: 
“You had better remain at home to-day, as I may want to see 
you at any moment, and if I do it will be very much to your 
advantage.” 

Morton made no effort to sell his potatoes until he reached 
the street upon which Imogen resided. It was about seven 
o’clock when he turned into it and began to call at the houses, 
offering his stock by the bushel or peck, but confining himself 
to one side of the street. Under other circumstances he might 
have been discouraged at his success, but the lack of it prob- 
al)ly arose from the fact that he was not as persistent and per- 
suasive as those itinerant tradesmen usually are. At length he 
stopped before the cottage which he had seen Jarmyn enter, 
while ensconced in the shrubbery. Casting his eyes cautiously 
about, and perceiving no one, he opened the gate and went 
around by the side passage to the rear of the Imuse, His knock 


THE nrCKSTFE. 297 

at the door was answered without delay^ and he stood face to 
face with Imogen. 

Can the reader imagine the emotions of this man who had 
searched so long and faithfully to find his wife, as he stood 
before her then, after a separation of several years? Morton 
was a man of wonderful self-control, or else he had given way 
to those emotions, if not in a spasmodic hurst of affection, at 
least in a manner which would have betrayed his identity. As 
it was, his composure and nonchalance were such that the 
character which he had assumed was proof against the sus- 
picion of its genuineness. Without giving Imogen a moment 
for inspection, he asked : Would you like to buy some 

])otatoes to-day, ma’am ? ’’ 

No; we are supplied, Imogen answered, giving him a mere 
cursory glance, such as she usually gave to peddlers or huck- 
sters wlio called at her door. 

Rut I have a load of fine ones which I am selling cheap.” 

I don’t think we need any, sir. ” 

Fifty cents a bushel, ma’am ; that’s very cheap, you know,” 
Morton persisted. 

And then little Geryl came running up, and standing by her 
mother’s side, looked shyly up at him. 

Wait a moment and I will see how many we have on hand,” 
and leaving Geryl clinging to the door knob, Imogen went into 
an adjoining room. 

The father looked at his child. He could not resist the temp- 
tation, and bending forward he stole a kiss from her lips. Geryl 
looked at him in a frightened way at first, but when she saw his 
ifieasant smile she felt assured that he would not harm her, and 
her face brightened again. Then he patted her on the head, 
and running his fingers through her long brown curls, asked : 
‘‘ What is your name, dear ? ” 

Geryl, ” answered the child without scarcely venturing to 
look at him. 

Morton was about to ask her another question, but Imogen re- 
turning, he remarked to her : That’s a fine little girl you 

have, ma’am, I expect her father is very proud of her, isn’t 
he?” 


298 


THE DUKE OF AKCAJSTUM. 


T haven’t any papa ! ” exclaimed the child, before her mother 
could reply. 

No ; she is a poor little fatherless girl,” said Imogen, add- 
ing, after a pause: ^‘Almost motherless, too, now; ar’n’t, you, 
darling ? ” 

Motherless? how so. Madam; are you not her mother?” 
asked Morton. 

“Oh, yes; but I’m away at work all day, and she sees so little 
of me. Did you say your potatoes are fifty cents a bushel ? ” 

“Yes, ma’am ; how many would you like? ” 

“ Are they good and sound at that price? My housekeeper 
says she has paid a dollar a bushel of late.” 

“I don’t doubt it at all, ma’am. They are perfectly good. 
I’ll warrant them. If they are not all right I’ll give you your 
money back when I come again.” 

“ Very well, then ; bring me in two bushels.” 

Morton returned to the wagon, took the empty basket, and 
carried it in, holding it awkwardly before him. In a little room 
adjoining the kitchen stood a barrel in which the potatoes were 
emptied. On leaving this room the second time he drew an 
envelope from his pocket, and while passing through the kitchen 
dropped it upon the table, unseen by Imogen, who stood with 
the money in her hand near the door. Morton took the dollar 
note, thanked her, and went back to the wagon. 

Jarmyn had been shadowing the house since the receipt of 
the anonymous note, principally in the morning and evening, 
to see who came and went. He was there that morning, stand- 
ing by a tree, which was protected by lattice work, not far from 
the cottage, and on the opposite side of the street. He saw the 
huckster turn into the street, but it was not an unusual sight, 
even at that hour in the morning. Soon, however, his attention 
was called to his singular method of vending his produce, and 
he became convinced that his occupation was new to him. He 
noticed that he did not startle the neighborhood in the usual 
stentorian style — “ Po-ta-toes ! ” On the otlier hand, lie was ex- 
ceedingly modest about it. Moreover, he observed that he went 
to the doors without the customary ^sample — usually the largest 
and finest potato on the load — to further his success; and alto- 
gether there was an apathy and lack of persistence about him. 


THE EUCKSTEU. 


299 


Instead of controlling the horse’s movements with a “ g’long, ” 
and a whoa/’ he took hold of her bit and led her along from 
house to house as silently as if he w^ere approaching a hostile 
region and feared that the least noise would arouse its denizens. 
And further, he kept to one side of the street, instead of cross- 
ing and recrossing. Altogether, he thought him to be a very 
peculiar huckster, and he began to mistrust his operations. 

With his suspicions thus aroused Jarmyn kept w^ell out ot 
view, and watched Morton’s every movement. He saw him 
enter the Edgcumbs’ yard and go to the rear of the house; and he 
thought he was gone unnecessarily long. He saw him return to 
the wagon and carry the potatoes in, holding the basket stiffly 
before him, instead of sliding it on to his shoulder from the 
wagon as he had seen other hucksters do. 

As Morton was returning to the wagon he caught a glimpse of 
a man’s head which was suddenly drawn behind the latticed tree. 
He felt certain that it was Jarmyn, and that he was suspected 
by him. He did not manifest any uneasiness, however, but 
determined to goon vending his potatoes until he saw something 
in the detective’s attitude which would warrant a belief that he 
intended to molest him. Accordingly he proceeded from house 
to house, keeping a sharp lookout for him ; and once or twice 
he saw him dodging under cover. Then he became convinced 
that Jarmyn was only awaiting a favorable moment to pounce 
upon him. To prepare for such an emergency he took the bas- 
ket containing the coat and hat, and filled it with potatoes, thus 
covering and concealing them thoroughly, after which he placed 
the basket in an available position on the wagon. At the next 
house he went to the rear door as usual, and upon returning 
found Jarmyn standing by the wagon, pretending to examine 
the potatoes. It was a tentative position, but with singular 
presence of mind, he put on a bold front, stepped to the wagon, 
seized the basket containing the coat, hat and potatoes, and 
swinging it off, remarked in a natural tone: “ Them’s fine perta- 
ters, sir; I’ll be back in a minute. ” It was all done so coolly and 
quickly that Jarmyn scarcely knew he was there before he was 
off again with the basket in his arms. 

Hurrying to the rear of the house Morton turned the potatoes 
on the ground, seized the package, and running to the end of the 


300 


ms DUKE OS AUCANUM. 


yard leaped over the fence into the alley, through which he ran a 
few steps, then leaping into a neighboring yard he entered a 
shed. A moment later he emerged, but in the character of an 
elderly gentleman, wearing a long white beard, completely con- 
cealing his own, a patriarchal wig and a pair of spectacles, and 
passing out upon the street, he reached the walk, where he saw 
Jarmyn still waiting for him by the wagon. With an infirm 
step he moved away. Upon turning the corner he glanced 
back, but Jarmyn was not to be seen. He knew that the 
detective, having reached the conclusion that he had been out- 
witted, had gone back to look for him, and seizing the oppor- 
tunity he hurried away as rapidly as he could without exciting 
the curiosity of people on the street. 

Jarmyn had supposed that he had not been observed by the 
huckster, and when the latter approached and removed the 
basket from the wagon he did not doubt that the man had sold 
some potatoes and would return to the wagon as soon as he had 
delivered them. His investigations, however, revealed the 
basket and potatoes lying on the ground, but the fugitive was 
nowhere to be seen, and he was forced to admit that he had 
been foiled a second time in his effort to retake the delinquent. 

Removing his disguise Morton had speedily returned to the 
place where he had procured the outfit. The huckster being at 
home and amazed to see him return so early in the day, in- 
quired : 

Sold out boss, wagon, and pertaters so quick as this'P^ 

‘‘No; I got into trouble and abandoned the load, answered 
Morton. 

“ Did you have a break-down and spill all the goods'? 

No, nothing of that kind. I have simply abandoned the 
business for a certain reason known only to myself and another. 
My friend, you have been pretty clover ; can I trust you to do 
something for rae*?^^ 

“ Certainly, ^’ the lad replied. 

“I think I can, too; and Fm going to try you. It will be 
worth nearly two hundred dollars to you, which is quite an 
object, is it not ? 

“ Yes; poor folks like us dofft pick that up very often.” 

Well, I gave you a hundred and seventy dollars for your 


THE HUCKSTER 


301 


horse, wagon and potatoes. Now Fm going to make you a pres- 
ent of the whole outfit — potatoes and all, for I only sold a 
couple of bushels of them; but it is upon this condition — that 
you will go and claim it from the authorities. 

^Thorities ! who^s that asked the boy earnestly and inno- 
cently. 

The city authorities, or the police, I mean. You may say to 
them that the rig is yours and that you hired a stranger to ped- 
dle for you, but be careful and do not give them any description 
of me. You may think this is very strange, but I cannot give you 
any explanation of it now. I am a victim of circumstances. It 
will not be dishonorable in you to do this. It will spare me 
much anxiety, and you will be paid for your kindness. 

The huckster considered it an unusual piece of good fortune 
to make a hundred and seventy dollars in less than two hours, 
so he readily consented to do as the stranger requested without 
asking any questions. “ Yes, said he, I won^t bother ^bout 
tellin^ ^em anything more. 

ThaFs right, my boy, and here is enough to buy you a new 
working suit, for I had to throw yours away.^^ So saying, 
Morton gave the huckster a ten-dollar note, and a broad grin 
spread over his face as he received it. He then instructed him 
where to find the load, and giving him a hearty shake of the 
hand, hurried away. 

The huckster did not have to go in search of the horse and 
wagon; Jarmyn saved him that trouble. The detective is 
never without resources. To find them to fit the different 
emergencies which arise, constitutes the art of his profession. 
He simply unfastened the traces, led the horse from the shafts, 
and told her to go home. The animal obeyed, and profiting by 
its instinct he followed it to the hucksters gate. Morton was 
scarcely out of sight when they arrived. As the huckster 
opened the gate Jarmyn accosted him : “ Is that your horse, 
sir? 

“ ThaFs my old mare, sure enough. I wonder what^s ^come 
of the wagon, the youth replied, suspecting that his inter- 
locutor was one of the Thorities,’^ whom the stranger had 
talked about. 

“ Your wagon and potatoes are all right, said Jarmyn, but 


302 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


wliat sort of a man do you trust your load with, who runs away 
when a gentleman comes to examine his merchandise? 

“ Is that what he done ? asked the hoy, professing surprise. 

Well, blame me if I knowed he was that kind of a feller, or I 
wouldn’t have hired him. ’’ 

“ Who was the fellow ? ” demanded Jarmyn, sternly. 

“ He came here this mornin,’ an’ wanted a job, an’ as I 
wasn’t feelin’ first rate I let ’im go out with the load ; that’s all 
I know of ’im, sir. ” 

“ Don’t you know who he is — not even his name ? ” 

“ No, sir, don’t know ’im at all. He had an honest lookin’ 
face, and I thought he was just the man to suit me.” 

Don’t you know where he came from, where he stays, or 
what his name is ? ” 

I don’t for sure, mister. I never seen ’im before, an’ I 
didn’t ask ’im any questions ; only give ’im the load to go and 
sell.” 

Jarmyn, of course, distrusted this statement; and with all 
manner of questions and cross-questions endeavored to confuse 
his ideas, and extract a different statement ; but his efforts were 
unavailing. The huckster persisted in his story. Assured, at 
length, that the young man knew little or nothing concerning 
the subject of his inquiries, or that he would not divulge it if he 
did, he endeavored to temporize matters by making himself 
more agreeable. If he should come here again, do you think 
you could manage to let me know? ” 

I think I could, sir. What is your name and where might I 
find you ? ” 

Jarmyn wrote down the name and address of an officer, giving 
the street and number of the nearest precinct station, and with- 
out mentioning the fact that it was such, gave it to the liuckster, 
saying : There, my boy, keep a sharp lookout for the fellow, 

and if he turns up don’t fail to let me know ; I’ll make it all 
right with you. ” 

The youth took the paper, but there was a secret determina- 
tion to do nothing of the kind. Between the stranger and the 
man who stood before him with cold, piercing gray eyes, there 
was an easy choice. There was a feeling of admiration for one, 
and of contempt for the other. But keeping his thoughts to 


TBE HVCKSTEtt. 


303 


himself he folded the paper and put it in his pocket.. “But 
whereas the wagon, Mister f Youhaven^t told me where the load 
is yetf he asked, as Jarmyn was about to turn away. 

“ Well, jump onto your horse and come along. Til show you.^^ 
The youth complied, and the wagon being soon recovered, he 
fastened the traces and drove away, while Jarmyn proceeded to 
his office very much discomfited, but more than ever determined 
to effect Edgcumb^s arrest sooner or later. 


Simultaneously with the occurrence of Morton^s adventure, 
another incident none the less interesting, was transpiring in 
the little domicile a few doors away. Imogen had not suspected 
in the least that the huckster was anything but what he seemed, 
although she was somewhat surprised when Geryl told her as 
she closed the door that the peddler had kissed her while she 
was gone. Upon returning to her domestic duties, however, a 
few moments later, she discovered the envelo^pe addressed to 
herself lying upon the table. “ Why, what can this be? The 
potato man must have left it here,^^ she exclaimed to herself, for 
she was then alone in the kitchen. Holding the envelope curiously 
before her, and scanning the superscription, she seemed to be 
impressed with a strange familiarity with the writing, and she was 
seized with uncommon agitation. This was increased as she 
tore it open, for removing a paper and unfolding it she beheld a 
new crisp bank-iiote of the denomination of one thousand dol- 
lars. Then a glance at the signature of the letter followed, and 
her joy, surprise and agitation became almost inconceivable. 

“ Stanley, my dear husband ! Has he sent me this by the 
potato man ? God bless him! Then the dear boy is still among 
the living. Oh, how I should love to see him!’^ 

In the train of thoughts which followed, the hand which held 
the commimication dropped helplessly by her side, and she 
neglected l«or a moment or so to read what he had written to 
her. Then she looked again at the bank-note as if endeavoring 
to convince herself that it was not an illusion, and again her 
eyes reverted to the signature on the letter. Partially recover- 
ing herself she commenced to read, but only to find herself still 
more overwhelmed as she proceeded: 


304 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


AIy Darling Wife. — Did you expect after so loug a silence to ever look 
upon your husband’ face again? ^Vhen you beheld the huckster, Imogen, 
you beheld your unhappy Stanley in disguise ” 

What, the potato man Stanley! And I have seen my hus- 
band and talked with him, and did not recognize him ? Impos- 
sible ! But, stop — he kissed little Geryl ; and now that T recall 
his voice I remember it did seem strangely like Stanley's. Can 
it be possible that I have seen my dear husband? Then the 
trembling woman read again : 

“ Pardon me, my dear, first for my loug absence, and next for coming to you 
in a disguise in which you could not recognize me. J missed you after the 
great fire and have looked everywhere for you since. It was only by a mere 
chance that 1 found you a few days ago. I thought that it would not l)e jn'u- 
dent to appear before you suddenly, without warning, for I did not know wlio 
might be near, and I could not make known my presence without committing 
myself. I am constantly in danger of detection, and 1 am therefore, perhaps, 
unnecessarily cautious. 

“Imogen,! have been prosperous since last we met, and 1 am able to pro- 
vide for you. I do not wish to have you toil any more. You have had a loug, 
hard stniggle and I hope the time is not far distant Avhen we shall be reunited 
and happy as of old. I inclose some money which will maintain you com- 
fortably for a while ; so henceforth devote yourself to your home and chil- 
dren. I will arrange to see you as soon as possible, but do not let it be known 
by word or look that I have been here to-day. 

“Kiss dear little Paget and Geryl for me, and remember I am always 
thinking of, and longing to see you all. 

“ Your loving 

“ Stanley. 

Geryl appeared as Imogen finished reading the letter, and wos 
caught up in her mothers arms. “Tell me, dear, where did 
the man kiss you? Tell me quickly Imogen exclaimed impul- 
sively. 

“ Why, there by the door, mamma/^ replied Geryl, aston- 
ished at such maternal emotion. 

“ No, I mean, did he kiss your cheek, or lips? 

“ He kissed me here, mamma, pointing with herfinger to her 
mouth. 

Imogen then pressed her lips to the child’s rosy mouth and 
held her in a close embrace until Mrs. Tiernan entering dis- 
turbed her with the remark : “ Ye’ll be late at the shtore this 
mornin’, ma’am j it’s eight o’clock now.” 


THE EUCKSTEE, 305 

Oh; I don^t care, Mrs. Tiernan ; I am not going to work any 
longer. I need a rest. 

“ That^s right, ma^am ; I think ye’re very sinsible. ” 

“ Oh, I wish mamma would stay home with us all the time,” 
said Geryl. 

Smiling at the child’s remark, Imogen answ^ered : “ Perhaps 
I shall, dear, pretty soon.” 

An’ thin ye moight be aftber gittin’ married agin, ma’am, 
an’ poor ould Bridget Tiernan wud hev ter go back to the tub 
agin.” 

” Oh, no; have no fears of that, Mrs. Tiernan ; there is no 
danger of my ever marrying again, nor will there be any neces- 
sity of you toiling at the tub again, I hope.” 

Mrs. Tiernan looked happy and thankful, but she wondered 
how Imogen was going to remain at home. 

Imogen did not go to the store that day. The children en- 
joyed having her with them, and they thought, too, that she 
seemed unusually happy. Not many days later she resigned 
her position in the store. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


THE KESTITUTION. 

Moetoh was careful to keep from Imogen the alias by which 
he was known to the public. Although he possessed the utmost 
confidence in her, still he did not deem it prudent that any one, 
aside from himself, should know that Stanley Edgcumb and 
Jasper Morton were one and the same individual. He feared 
that if he intrusted the secret to her she might, in some 
unguarded moment, say something which would lead others to 
suspect him, and by keeping it locked in his owm bosom there 
would be no fear of trouble arising from such a source. He 
knew that it would not do for Imogen to make a conspicuous 
display, or to live, for a time, in any other than the simple way 
in which she had been accustomed; otherwise it might excite 
the curiosity of her neighbors, and create gossip which would be 
sure to reach Jarmyn^s ears. Jarmyn was undoubtedly looking 
for him in a different path of life from that which he frequented, 
and he desired him to so continue. This he could accomplish 
in no better way than by maintaining the utmost secrecy con- 
cerning himself. The mask must be made impenetrable, and to 
do so none, not even his wife, must be permitted to know^ the 
position which he occupied in the social and commercial 
world. 

For some time after his adventure with the detective, Morton 
confined himself to his office, rarely walking upon the street, 
and seldom going on ^Change. He had his trusty agents 
there through whom he operated and by whom he was kept 
thoroughly informed of all changes in the market. Like a 
general surrounded by his staff, he studied the plan of battle 
which lay before him in the multifarious reports which were 
coining in at all times, from all parts of the world, and gave his 
orders, which were faithfully executed. There was no need of 

306 , . 


THE BESTITUTIOJSr. 307 

his presence, for he could mystify his followers just as well 
without. 

While Morton seemed to be building up a colossal fortune, 
which excited the envy of the speculative world, he displayed 
such liberality to those in less fortunate circumstances, that his 
name became almost a household word in the community. He 
invariably had a kind word and an open purse for the poor and 
needy. His contributions to all manner of charitable institu- 
tions were swelled into thousands of dollars monthly. Every 
morning as he entered his office, and in the afternoon when he 
left it, there was always to be seen gathered before the entrance 
a number of people of distressed appearance, awaiting a dis- 
tribution of alms; and he was never unprepared for them. 
Upon entering or leaving his carriage he would distribute a 
considerable sum among them, giving a small amount to each. 
Frequently, in special cases which attracted his attention, these 
gifts were supplemented with a barrel of flour, or a load of fuel 
sent to their homes. Such was the generosity of the man that 
no manner of charity, if reasonable or deserving, was ever 
refused. Among other things, he unfailingly made a practice 
whenever walking alone, of dropping pieces of money in the 
hands of mendicants who were as numerous upon the streets of 
Chicago as in other large cities, usually occupying conspicuous 
places on the walks of the most frequented thoroughfares. 
Sometimes it was one grinding an organ, and staring at every 
passer-by ; at others some hideous cripple, sitting immovable 
as a statue, and by means of a placard mutely begging a 
pittance from the throng. The pauper element of a great city 
is a curious study. It was so to Morton ; and he frequently 
soliloquized on the miserable conditions of life which produce 
such creatures, and the uncertainties which surround us all, 
rendering us liable to those conditions ourselves. In the 
absence of such afflictions, how prone we are to pass these 
unfortunates by unnoticed, he would say as he saw the multi- 
tudes pass along regardless of these wayfarers. For hours 
they seem to sit and wait without an offering, while people pass 
by too busy in extracting pleasure from life to even take notice 
of their miserable existence. Then as he advanced to drop a 
coin into the extended palm, he saw that his act of charity 


308 


THE DUKE OF ABCAKUM. 


seeaied to attract the attention and surprise of the less chari- 
table, and his feelings would find such an expression as this : 

“ Oh, what must be the selfishness of the world when people 
regard with amazement the gift of a mite to a pauper ! '' 

These eleemosynary objects came to know Morton well, and 
whenever they saw him upon the walk, or heard the sound of 
his voice, as he gave them a kind greeting, there was a smile of 
recognition, for they knew their mysterious friend had an ofier- 
ing for them. 

Among the many characters of this kind who were the recipi- 
ents of Morton’s bounty, was a legless man who sat with his 
back to an iron post near the Custom House, grinding an organ 
from morning till night. His limbs had been amputated several 
inches above the knee. Day after day, when the weather was 
not inclement, he occupied the same place, turning the crank 
and filling the air of the surrounding neighborhood with the 
sonorous tones of his organ. He was a man past fifty years of 
age, his long, dark hair and beard being streaked with gray. 
His face was pale, but he kept it hidden by a broad-brimmed 
hat which was drawn well down over his eyes. He rarely 
looked up at any one who threw a coin into his box, but 
there was always a polite nod as an expression of gratitude 
for the gift, made by slowdy dropping his chin upon his breast. 
The man, beyond a doubt, felt some mortification in pursuing 
this occupation, which circumstances had undoubtedly forced 
upon him, and he seemed to act as if he feared encountering the 
gaze of some one who might recognize him in his humiliating 
position. 

Morton had seen the cripple in this same locality all through 
the summer and autumn. He had never passed without stopping 
to put something in the little tin contribution -box on top of the 
organ. He had observed his peculiarities,but he always had a kind 
word for him. Once or twice when he had caught a glimpse of 
his face he had thought that it had an air of unusual intelligence, 
and that he had, without doubt, seen much better days. From 
sympathetic motives he felt much interest awakened in his behalf, 
and fiequently endeavored to engage him in conversation ; but 
for some reason the man seemed stubbornly averse to it. Mor- 
ton then began with every visit to increase the size of his dona- 


ms HESTlTUTiON. 


aoo 


tions, but for some time he got nothing in return but the polite 
bow and thank you^^ which invariably accompanied the jing- 
ling of even a copper in the contribution-box. 

Finally one morning, just as the weather was beginning to 
turn cold, Morton drove by in his carriage, and glancing through 
the glass door he saw the cripple sitting in his accustomed place. 
He was just in time to catch the dying strains of the instrument 
as the cripple dropped the handle after finishing an air, and to 
see him rub his hands vigorously together. ‘‘ The poor man 
must be cold sitting there without any wraps this frosty morn- 
ing. Idl get out and see him.^^ Signaling the coachman to stop 
he stepped out of the carriage, saying: I will walk to the 

otfice from here. Come for me at three o’clock.’^ 

Instead of going directly to the cripple, Morton entered the 
Custom House for a few minutes to avoid the attention which 
the vehicle had attracted to his person; but a little later he ap- 
proached the beggar and inquired : “ Don’t you find it a little 

chilly, my friend ? ” 

The man shrugged his shoulders, and Morton dropped a five- 
dollar note in the box. Not being accustomed to the sight 
of such donations, he looked up at the donor in amazement, and 
Morton saw an expression of deep gratitude in his face, and 
moisture in his eyes. 

I thank you,” said the unfortunate, his voice trembling 
with emotion,” I did not expect to get even a copper, to-day. 
Everybody seems to hurry along with their hands in their pock- 
ets, holding on to all they have.” 

‘‘ Don’t you find it pretty cold sitting here without any 
wraps?” Morton inquired. 

Yes, I do; and what seems very strange, I feel the cold in 
my toes so much. ” 

Feel the cold in your toes, eh ? Why, you don’t appear to 
have any.” 

“No; but the sensation is there just the same. It’s very 
strange, is it not?” 

“Yes; very strange. I have heard of similar cases. How 
did you lose your limbs ?” 

“ I lost them at the time of the great fire, in ’71.” 


310 


THE DUKE OF ABCAKUM. 


Is there no other wny by which you can earn a living than 
by such an exposure as this f 

“ I am afraid not, sir. A man without any legs is a useless 
creature to the world. 

“ But you could do office work, could you not ? You seem to 
be a man of intelligence — one who has seen much better days. 

Yes ; I have had much experience in business ; but who 
wants a helpless cripple around, when smart, active young men 
can be so readily obtained? I don’t think I should want to 
have one about myself, if I were a business man.” 

“ It is true, business men are not, as a rule, philanthropic. In 
my opinion, able-bodied men should give way to those who are, 
in a measure, helpless, and business men should consider the 
claims of unfortunate people, and use them wherever they can.” 

But it’s a very selfish world, and people don’t do as they 
should, by any means.” 

“ Your misfortune, my friend, has, perhaps, made you a trifle 
morose, or cynical.” 

“ Not my misfortune — no, no; it’s this despicable life of an 
organ-grinder.” 

“ Well, that is a part of your misfortune. You have seen 
much better days, and you feel that it is a degrading occu- 
pation.” 

“ But it was the only thing I could do, sir. It has brought us 
a scanty living, which we could not have otherwise had.” 

You have a family, then ? ” 

“ I had one once ; I have only a wife now. ” 

And what became of your children ?” 

“ Of my child ? God only knows. ” 

You say that you lost your limbs at the time of the fire?” 

“ Yes ; and every dollar I had in the world besides.” 

“ Did you have no friends who could assist you?” 

‘‘ No ; bless your soul, man, wasn’t nearly everyone impov- 
erished ? I reckon you were not here at that time. Moreover, 
we were almost strangers here. I had just come from Baltimore 
and had been established but a short time in business wffien the 
fire overtook us. ” 

What business were you in, if I may inquire ?” 

“ I was a private banker and real estate broker. ” 


THE BESTITUTION. 


311 


“ And you say you lost everything?’^ 

“ Yes, everthing; not a dollar was left.” 

“ You must have had j^our fortune all in cash, no real estate.” 

“ I bad only lived here a short time and had made no invest- 
ments. It was all in cash — fifty thousand dollars.” 

That was very hard, indeed. The fire changed many fort- 
unes. Some profited by it, but the majority lost all they had.” 

'‘Yes, but I should not have cared for the fortune if my legs 
had been spared; for with all the opportunities which the 
rebuilding of Chicago has offered, I think 1 could have recovered 
it in a few years. But now ” 

The man^s voice faltered; he could not proceed. He cast his 
eyes down again in a melancholy way, and then as if to choke 
down his emotions, he seized the organ handle and commenced 
to grind. Instantly the prolonged strains of the instrument re- 
sponded, pealing plaintively upon the frosty air. But before he 
had accomplished more than two or three revolutions of the 
crank, Morton restrained him, saying : " Don’t be in a hurry, 

my friend ; you have earned a good day’s wages already; more- 
over, I wish to talk with you a little further.” 

" You have been very kind to me, sir, and I sorely need it. 
For the two years that I have been on the streets grinding this 
organ, I have never received more than a pittance from any one 
but you. I don’t know, either, as I have ever expected more ; 
nor do I know what to make of your generous acts and kind 
words. Oh, sir, I was once in a position to commiserate such 
creatures as you see before you, but now I’m only a beggar my- 
self.” 

“ The world is full of misery,” suggested Morton. 

" So full of it, sir, that the whole human family has become 
calloused to the sight of it; just as fledgling doctors become 
hardened after cutting off a few legs. ” Then glancing at his 
unsightly stumps, he added : " As they did mine.” 

" I suppose you had your limbs crushed by some falling wall, 
did you not?” 

“ No, they were shattered by leaping from a third-story win- 
dow. I jumped to save my life, you see, and made myself a 
worthless burden upon the community. I wouldn’t do it again; 
po sir, I would be incinerated first,” 


ni‘J THE BTJKE OF ABCANEM. 

Morton now became deeply interested in the inarms story. It 
had such a similarity to the case of the one he had ar fortunately 
left to be devoured by the fiames when he started in pursuit of 
the thief. “Ah, that was terrible/^ he answered coinmiser- 
atively. “ Many a valuable life was lost in leaping from build- 
ings at that time. Was your retreat entirely cut off by the 
dames? ” 

Yes; I sat in the window and looked down from the dizzy 
height, and hesitated whether or not to jump. My retreat was 
cut off by the dames. I expected to be dashed to death if I 

Jumped, but I thought it preferable to burning, so I took my 

box • 

“ Your hox! interrupted Morton, becoming very much 

excited. 

“ Yes ; I took my tin box in my hand and made the leap.’^ 

“My God! Morton exclaimed, with an apparent effort to 
draw his breath, “ and what next ? 

“ You seem greatly interested, stranger. Well, it was an ex- 
citing moment. You ask me what next? I was rescued by a 
man who carried me off on his back. That’s all I can remember ; 
but if I had listened to that man’s advice I should probably now 
be in possession of both my limbs and money, for when I started 
foolishly to enter the burning building he caught me by the arm 
and endeavored to dissuade me from so rash an act. I released 
myself from his grasp, however, and rushed up the stairs. My 
money was locked in the vault, and would undoubtedly have 
been safe.” 

Morton was silent and thoughtful. He was still more 
astounded at the similarity of the incidents; but he thought 
that it could scarcely be possible that he was the same man he 
had carried away from the burning opera house. That man 
must surely have perished where he left him. Turning again to 
the cripple, he asked : “ Where did this happen, my friend — 
I mean in what part of the city?” 

“ On Washington street; it was from one of the windows of 
the great opera house that I made the fearful leap.” 

Morton paled at this announcement, and exhibited a marked 
degree of agitation, 


THE DESTITUTION. 3L^ 

My story seems to have affected you^ said the cripple. I 
am sorry to have given you the pain of listening to it. 

Never mind, sir; I am always more or less affected by such 
recitations. My sympathy for those who are afflicted is such 
that in hearing their narratives it gives me something of a shock. 
Did you not learn the name of your rescuer?^’ 

^‘No; when I regained consciousness I found myself on a 
wheelbarrow. I opened my eyes and looked around. There 
seemed to be smoke and flames all about me ; then I heard the 
sound of voices, and experienced a jolt; then followed a rumb- 
ling sound as if crossing a bridge. I was too weak to speak. 
That was the last I remembered. Several days afterward I 
found myself in a hospital, and they told me that I had lost my 
limbs. I did not believe it for I felt all the sensations of pain in 
them, but reaching my hands down to feel for them I realized 
that it was true — they were gone.^’ 

A terrible, terrible experience, surely. But the tin box, 
what did it contain 

“All which I possessed in the world— -fifty thousand dol- 
lars. 

“ And you have never heard anything from it?^^ 

“ No, sir, and I never expect to.^^ 

“ Did you never advertise for it 
“ Yes, but it was some time afterward. 

“ My friend, I have become greatly interested in your case. 
Will you tell me your name 
“ My name is Dunne — Marcellus Dunne. 

Morton made a memorandum of it in his note-book. “ And 
what is your address, please 

“ You would not think a beggar would have an address, would 
you 

“ You must have some place where you sleep. You certainly 
can have no objection to telling me where it is.^^ 

“ Well, stranger, you are very kind to interest yourself in a 
poor old cripple ; but I would not like to have you see the inte- 
rior of our hole, as we call it. 

“ Don^t give yourself any uneasiness about that; I may never 
call upon you. I merely want your address so that I may know 
where to find you in case I should hear of some position which 


314 


TITE DUKE OE AECANUM. 


yon might be able to fill. I always like to assist the unfortu- 
nate whenever I can.^^ 

Yes, your generosity has shown that beyond a doubt. Give 
me your note-book and I will write it down for you if my fingers 
will permit. 

Morton handed him the book, open at the page where he had 
written the name Marcellus Dunne. Laying it upon the 
organ, the cripple wrote something underneath the name and 
returned it. Morton glanced at the writing, gave a nod of sat- 
isfaction and turned away. 

Jasper Morton was dumfounded by the discovery which he 
had just made. He had undoubtedly found the man whom he 
had carried away from the burning opera-house in such a de • 
plorable condition. He had never cherished a single thought 
that he had escaped from the terrible situation in which he had 
thoughtlessly left him; and fuither, he had supposed that he 
was fatally injured by the leap. Even with the evidence be- 
fore him he could hardly believe the discovery ; and, as he 
walked along, his doubts seemed to rise ascendant over his in- 
clination to conviction of the man^s identity. However, after 
struggling with them for some time, he at length banished them 
by the force and conclusiveness of his argument. “ Miraculous 
as it seems, the man still exists, although I should scarcely have 
marveled more to have seen him descend from the clouds. He 
has told the story of that dreadful night in such a realistic 
manner that it has forced all of those thrilling scenes with start- 
ling vividness back upon my mind. Then the box — the fifty 
thousand dollars! how wonderful! how conclusive! and how 
fortunate that T have found him ! It seems as if it were an act 
of Providence in bringing us together again. 

Arriving at his office he merely looked mechanically at the 
papers which had been prepared by his assistants and placed 
upon his desk for his inspection, being occupied by the develo])- 
ments of the morning. The office corps thought that their mys- 
terious employer looked unusually serious. He did not seem to 
be inclined to give his attention to business as usual, but sat in 
meditation with his elbow resting upon his desk, supporting his 
head with his hand. He was thinking of the wretchedness 
which the poor cripple had endured so long, deprived of the 


THE EESTITUTION. 


315 


fortune which rightfully belonged to him, while he himself with 
that same fortune, had been living in luxury and ease. He 
blamed himself because he had not taken measures to discover 
if he were still alive. Then he tried to reconcile himself, with 
the thought that he could not have done so without endanger- 
ing his own life ) that if the box had not fallen into his hands it 
might have fallen to others who would have used it, perhaps, 
less philanthropically. It had enabled him to go abroad and 
secure a fortune which he had brought back and used freely 
among the poor in relieving them ; and now, at last, even while 
performing an act of this same nature, he had discovered the 
owner, whom he had supposed to have been long dead. He 
marvelled at the strange vicissitudes which snatch a fortune 
from one so suddenly and cast it at the feet of another ; and 
then years afterward, by such singular circumstances, bring 
them together on such reversed planes of inequality. Such are 
the inscrutable ways of Providence, he muttered. “ Little did 
1 think during the past few months while casting my contribu- 
tions into the mendicants box that I was only restoring in small 
sums that which was his and not mine ; that I was more deeply 
indebted to that cripple than to any human creature on earth. 

Morton sat for some time absorbed in thoughts of this charac- 
ter, and in meditations concerning the welfare of Marcellus 
Dunne. When at length he aroused himself it was evident that 
he had determined upon some definite course of action. Peach- 
ing forward he touched a call-bell upon his desk, which sum- 
moned a lad to his side without delay. 

“ Robert, I wish you to go to the real estate oflQce over the 
way, at No. 127, and tell them I would like to see one of the 
firm at my office as soon as possible on a matter of business. 

The lad darting out executed the commission, and in a few 
moments returned with a gentleman. Morton, recognizing him, 
motioned him to a seat, and without wasting time in preliminary 
conversation, proceeded at once to the subject of the interview. 

I desire to purchase a piece of property, sir, and I have sent 
for you to see what you can ofier. ” 

The agent regarded it as a mark of distinction to be selected 
by the “ Duke of Arcanum ” for the purpose of such a transac- 
tion, and his face was all smiles as Morton addressed him. 


316 THE DUKE OF AECANVM. 

“ What kind of a piece of property do you wish to purchase, 
Mr. Morton, and in what locality ? ” 

“ A good, comfortable residence sir, the price not to exceed 
ten thousand dollars. ” 

“ I think we can accommodate you, sir. In what locality do 
you desire it.” 

“ As near my own residence as possible, if you know where 
that is.” 

“ Humph ! There are very few people in Chicago who do 
not,” the agent replied. 

“Ah, am 1 such a conspicuous figure as that?” iiKpiired 
Morton. 

“ Well, the man who has not heard of the ’Du — 1 beg your 
pardon, sir, I meant of Jasper Morton — the man who has not 
heard of Jasper Morton does not live in Chicago, I am sure of 
that. ” 

“ I think that such a predication could hardly be supported 
by the facts. But have you anything to offer for the price 
mentioned, in the South Division ? ” 

“ I think we have; I am very sure of it. If you desire, 1 will 
go back and get a list of what we have. ” 

“ Never mind now. You can look them over and I will call 
for you in my carriage at three o’clock this afternoon, and we 
will drive out to see them ; that is all, sir. ” 

Thus terminating the brief interview, Morton turned to his 
desk to write out some orders to his brokers while the agent 
withdrew. Just behind his back on a little shelf fastened to 
the wall, and inclosed in a glass case, one of those marvelous 
machines, known as the “ ticker, ” was clicking and buzzing, 
noisily recording upon the paper ribbon which automatically 
unwound itself from the reel, the fluctuations on ’Change. Oc- 
casionally turning, be would run the tape through his fingers to 
examine, the quotations, each of which frequently meant 
thousands of dollars difference to him ; frequently he rose from 
his chair and eagerly read them as they came fresh from the 
type on the small revolving wheel. “ They are veritable little 
wheels of fortune,” he would remark facetiously, as he gazed at 
their seemingly erratic movements. 

In the afternoon at three o’clock Morton called with his car- 


THE BESTITUTION. 


317 


riage for the agent across the street, and together they started 
out on a tour of inspection. The remainder of the day was 
spent in driving about looking at the various residences which 
were offered for sale. Finally one was selected which was 
deemed desirable. It was especially so because it was unoccu- 
])ied and possession could be had at once. It was a finely built, 
new brick dwelling of modern design, situated upon a beautiful, 
shaded street not far from his own residence. 

A day or so later the agent stepped into Morton’s office with 
the deed and laid it upon his desk, remarking : “ There is the 
deed, sir, and an abstract of title. ” 

Morton glanced at the paper and surprised the agent by say> 
ing : “ It is all wrong, sir, you have made it out to Jasper Mor- 
ton ; that is not right.” 

The agent regarded Morton curiously, then a merry twinkle 
brightened his eye as he asked : “ Why, sir, did you want it 
deeded to the ^ Duke of Arcanum ’ ? ” 

Smiling at this pleasantry, Morton answered: “No; I don’t 
know any such an individual. Did I not tell you to whom it 
should be deeded? ” 

“No, sir; there was nothing said about it. I supposed of 
course that you were simply making an investment and wished 
it deeded to yourself. ” 

“ Ah ! it was my mistake then. No; lam not making an in- 
vestment, I am simply making a present. The property must 
be deeded to Marcellus Dunne. ” 

“ Marcellus Dunne ! ” repeated the agent ; it strikes me I 
have heard that name before, but I cannot associate it with a 
familiar face. A present ! Well, a man is in great fortune to 
have you for a friend ! Very well, sir, I will make the change 
and return with the deed to-morrow. ” 

^lorton consummated the bargain later, giving his check for 
ten thousand dollars. Then the house was provided throughout 
with costly furnishings. Several days elapsed before everything 
was in complete order, and the house ready for occupancy. 
When he had inspected it, and found it satisfactory, arrange- 
ments were begun to put Marcellus Dunne and his wife in 
possession of it. He had not seen the organ-grinder since the 
morning of his conversation ; but he had his address, and that 


318 


THE DUKE OF ABCANU3L 


was sufficient. When the arrived upon which he had de- 
decided to make the restitution, he drove to the vicinity of tlie 
Custom House. The legless man sat in his accustomed place by 
the lamp-post, turning the crank of his organ. Instead of a])- 
proaching sufficiently near to be seen by him, he turned into an 
adjacent street and left the vehicle; but not until he had in- 
structed the coachman how and where to proceed. 

As soon as his master had left the carriage, the coacliman 
turned his horses about and drove directly to the curbstone 
where the cripple was industriously striving to coax a few pen- 
nies from the pedestrians by a plaintive strain from his organ. 
As the carriage drew up he gazed at it admiringly, wondei ing 
why it had stopped in such close proximity to him. The horses 
pranced nervously under the shrill tones, and observing this, lie 
abruptly ceased his grinding. 

“ Old man, is your name Dunne ? asked the coachman, as he 
sprang upon the walk. 

Yes; are you going to take me to ride in that fine carriage T’ 
Marcellus Dunne inquired, jestingly. 

“ ThaCs just what I am, and you may be mighty proud of a 
ride in it, too.^^ 

Supposing that the coachman was jesting in return the crip- 
ple was about to deliver some remark concerning its appear- 
ance, when the former interrupted him by asking : “ Do you 
remember the stranger who had a talk with you the other day, 
and took your name down in a note-book ? I mean the man 
who put a five-dollar bill in your box there ; do you know who 
I mean 

“ It would be very strange if I did not remember a man who 
put five dollars in my box, when its not often one puts in five 
cents. Of course I remember him ; why do you ask such a 
question 

“ Well, he is the man who owns this turnout, and he wants to 
see you right away. 

Wants to see me ? Where 

“ Down at the house, and he wants you to bring your cofiee- 
mill with you.^^ 

“ You mean the organ 

Yes; I suppose he wants to hear a bit of music, and I reckon 


THE nESTlTVTlON. 319 

you will make a ^ tenner^ out of him^ too. He always pays 
mighty liberal. 

“ But I am not fit to go to his house. 

You won^t see any one but him.” 

“ Will you bring me back again 

‘‘ Yes, wheneyer youhe ready ; but it may be you won^t want 
to come back.” 

Opening the carriage door, the coachman, without waiting for 
an answer, took the organ and put it in the carriage. After 
such a demonstration of earnestness, Marcellus Dunne readily 
consented to follow, and was assisted to a seat by its side, after 
which he was whirled away. 

Meanwhile Morton had dispatched a messenger and carriage 
in quest of Mrs. Dunne, with instructions to urge her to come at 
once ; that her husband was greatly in need of her; and that a 
gentleman had volunteered to send a carriage for her to hasten 
her arrival. The messenger was given the address and in- 
structed to tell her that the man without any legs, Marcellus 
Dunne, needed her at once, and to come without delay.” 

When the coachman arrived with his charge, Morton was in 
readiness to receive him. He had been instructed to give the 
cripple a lengthy drive in order to give his employer ample time 
to reach the rendezvous in advance of him. Marcellus Dunne 
was carried into the house and placed in an easy chair. His 
organ was then brought in and placed upon a stool beside him. 
For a moment he surveyed the rich furnishings of the house. 
His hands dropped upon the velvety cushion of his chair, and 
looking down upon it, he remarked the contrast between its 
texture and that of his own soiled and thread- bare garments. 
He wondered what freak of eccentricity had induced this mys- 
terious man to send for him, to pick him out of the very gutter 
and bring him into the midst of such elegant surroundings. 
“Does ho wish to show me his house and fine things?” It 
utterly perplexed him. 

The room in which Marcellus Dunne found himself was 
ornate with beautiful pictures, marble and bronze statuary, and 
rare and unique bric-a-brac, such as arc found only in the 
homos of the wealthy and refined. One by one ho scrutinized 
these objects with a comi)etent and critical eye, for he had once 


320 


THE DUKE OF ABGANVM, 


possessed a beautiful and luxurious home himself. In his better 
days he had surrounded himself with comfort and ease, and all 
that was beautiful to the eye. Although he had become morose 
since his misfortune, he had an inherent sense of appreciation of 
such as makes life pleasant and enjoyable; and the glance 
which he cast admiringly about was not the wondering stare of 
vulgarity, but the glance of a connoisseur of things artistic and 
delightful to the eye. But amidst this scene of luxury there was 
something which attracted his attention more than all else. It 
was a small table in the center of the room, over which a white 
sheet was spread, reaching on all sides nearly to the door. 
There was an object in the center of the table covered by the 
sheet, but its outlines were not sufficiently distinct to enable 
him to even conjecture its character. He thought it very 
strange, and w^ondered what curious whim had prompted a man 
of evident refinement to cover the table in his parlor with a bed- 
sheet. 

Morton had left the organ-grinder alone for a few minutes, 
that he might look about undisturbed ; but when a reasonable 
time had elapsed he entered, and greeting the cripple with a 
cordial handshake, said: '' I suppose that you were somewhat 
surprised upon being sent for so unexpectedly this morning ; 
but I have taken quite a liking to the tunes of your organ, and 
as I did not care to stand on the street and listen to them, I con- 
ceived the idea of sending for you. I also wanted to talk with 
you in relation to a matter which I shall mention later on.’^ 

I was dumfounded, sir, when the coachman drove up with 
that magnificent rig and told me that he had come to take me 
away. Such things from a man of your standing in life— 1 
don’t know who you are or what you are, but merely judge from 
appearances — are very remarkable, I don’t know what to make 
of it.” 

The truth is, I am a man without family ties, without much 
to occupy my time, and like most persons in this lonely state, I 
suppose I am crotchety and whimsical. I do not find much pleas- 
ure in the usual pursuits of enjoyment which others follow, I 
seldom go to the theater, and care nothing for billiards, races, 
and other sporting matters. I find only a genuine solace in re- 











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mt: KESTITUTION, 321 

lieviiig the sufferings and distress of my fellow-men wherever I 
find it/^ 

“ And that is everywhere, is it not? 

It is very plentiful, I assure you.^^ 

“ You deserve Goffs blessing, if ever a man did. Ah, sir, 
there are but few such men in the world — I mean those who can 
give a thought to the poor; who can recognize the fact that 
they are human beings, and can feel the pangs of poverty and 
starvation; that they are thinking and reasoning creatures like 
themselves, and could enjoy to the same extent the blessings 
which fall to a prosperous life if they were given the opportunity. 
The multitude look upon such as I as the offal or the scum of 
society, or as worms of the dust only fit to be trampled upon 
and ground into the mire. Thank God, there is one — yes, thank 
God there are two in this city — yourself and another — who 
try to lift the poor up and make them feel that there is yet some 
good to be extracted from life in this world, after all.^^ 

And to whom do you refer ? I want to know the name of my 
colaborer in this charitable work.^^ 

“ I refer to the ^ Duke of Arcanum,^ sir. I have never seen 
him, but I know many whose burdens have been lessened by his 
ministrations. 

“ Indeed ! Who is this ^ Duke of Arcanum ? ^ 

They say he is an English nobleman. He is certainly one 
of nature’s noblemen, at any rate, and his name is blessed by 
all the i)oor of Chicago. ” 

Mr. Dunne, you think such acts are philanthropic. They 
undoubtedly are; but how did you look at such matters when 
you were a banker and had plenty at your disposal? ” 

Marcellus Dunne was silent for a moment, as if trying to 
recall memories of the past; then slowly raising his eyes, he 
fixed them upon Morton, and replied: I am afraid I was like 
all the rest of mankind, with few exceptions — too busy in taking 
comfort myself, and in trying to accumulate wealth, to think of 
those who were groveling in the dirt. lam ashamed to con- 
fess it, but now that I have tasted the bitterness of poverty 
myself, I can see the good which I might have done. I can 
feel for those who were then absent in my thoughts.” 


322 


Ti?je toUKE OP AncAPVM, 


And if you should become equally as wealthy agaiu^ do yoli 

not think that in a short time you 

There is no human probability or possibility of such a thing. 

It may so seem to you now ; but stranger things than that 
happen. I press the question : Do you not think that in a short 
time you would forget your present condition, and the misery of 
those around you, and give yourself up entirely to enjoyment, 
thinking only of your personal comfort ? 

“ Ah ! that is a difficult question. I think now that I should 
not, but we readily forget our sufferings when the pain has left 
us, and I suppose I do not differ from the rest of the human 
family. We are all weak and selfish. There are only a few 
cases like yours that are different, and they are created so. 
God has given them to the world as shining examifies of love, 
thoughtfulness and unselfishness. Without them there would 
be no amelioration of misery’s lot. Life once shrouded in the 
gloom of misfortune would remain so until death released it 
from its impenetrable shadows.” 

Morton was surprised at the language of his colloquist. He 
wondered how many such there were in the world, obscured in 
the mire of a miserable existence. It is well worth one's time 
to poke among the rubbish heaps of society when one can turn 
up such a jewel; one which only needs to have the soil removed 
to shine with its pristine luster, ” he soliloquized. He did not 
reply to the cripple, but fell into a train of reflections from 
which he was suddenly aroused by the strains of the organ. To 
break the painful silence which had fallen upon the room, Mar- 
cell us Dunne had leaned over, seized the handle and turned it, 
at which the swelling notes had instantly filled the room with a 
volume of sound that was almost painful to the ear. Morton 
smiled approvingly, and thus encouraged, the cripple continued 
and finished the air. 

“ Stop, my friend ; some one seems to be coming in ; there is 
a carriage at the door,” said Morton, as Marcellus Dunne was 
about to strike off into another melody. Perceiving a poorly 
clad woman alight from the carriage and run hurriedly to the 
door, he stepped forward and opened it. 

“ Is my husband, Mr. Dunne, hei-e T’ was asked in an anxious 
voice. 


THE BESTITUTION. 323 

“ Marcellus Dunne is here, Madam, if he is the one you are 
inquiring for.^^ 

^^Yes; Marcellus Dunne. My God! What has happened to 
him ? I have been sent for by some one to come to him as 
quickly as possible. Is he ill, or has he been injured? 

Neither, Madam; he is perfectly well. Step in and see for 
yourself, and Morton opened the door leading to the parlor, 
and pushed her gently into her husband^s presence. 

Why, Hannah? You here? exclaimed the cripple upon 
beholding his wife. 

The poor woman being so overcome with suspense, and so 
bewildered with surprise at finding her husband amidst such 
attractive surroundings, without illness or injury, with his organ 
by his side, stood speechless for a moment, unable to compre- 
hend it all. Then dying to his chair, she fell upon her knees 
and buried her head by his side, exclaiming as soon as she could 
command speech: Marcellus, I thought you were dying. God 
be praised that you are well.^’ 

“ Me dying ? Hannah, what do you mean ? My poor wife, I 
hope you have not lost your reason.’^ 

It is time for an explanation,^^ said Morton, before Madam 
Dunne could find words to reply. Listen and I will tell you, 
but first let me bring something from the adjoining room,^^ and 
opening the door he disappeared, but immediately returned 
pushing a richly cushioned perambulating chair before him. 
Madam Dunne’s astonishment was complete when Morton asked 
her to assist him in placing her husband in the luxurious seat, 
and the latter was even more amazed when the mysterious 
author of their perplexity wheeled him before the covered table, 
motioning his wife to approach. 

“ Mr. Dunne, Morton then began, I have a little surprise in 
store for you to-day, and wishing your wife to participate in 
your happiness, I sent a carriage for her. I ask pardon if I 
have caused her pain or anxiety ; but I knew of no other way 
that I could secure her presence. Madam, raise the cloth from 
the table. All beneath it belongs to you and your husband. ” 

Morton then stepped aside to watch the result. 

Poor Madam Dunne was so bewildered by the developments 
of the last few moments that she looked at her husband help- 


324 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


lessly, as Morton bade her remove the cloth. She was seized 
with a fear that the stranger meditated some injury or mischief 
to them, and she did not seem inclined to act as requested. 
Observing this, Morton said : “ You need have no fear, my good 
woman ; nothing will harm you. 

With this assurance, supplemented by one from her husband. 
Madam Dunne removed the sheet, when they beheld a tin 
box — a facsim ile of the one which he had lost at the time of 
the fire — with a large envelope lying on the cover. Taking 
the envelope in his hand, Marcellus Dunne read the following 
inscription : Tliis is a full and free title to the property upon 

which you find yourselves when discovering this paper. 

Marcellus Dunne turned excitedly to his wife, crying : “ Han- 
nah, he has given us this property 1 What on earth does it 
mean ? 

Examine the box,^^ came a voice from behind the chair, be- 
fore the good wife had time to reply. 

Taking the key, Marcellus Dunne inserted it in the lock, and 
opened the box, while his wife leaned forward breathlessly 
watching him. What a spectacle greeted their eyes ! It was 
small wonder that Madam Dimness hands went up in amaze- 
ment ; or that great beads of perspiration stood out upon her 
husband^s brow, for the box was full of money. 

Taking the paper which was lying on top of the packages of 
bills, the cripple opened it and read aloud : This box contains 
fifty thousand in currency. Accept it with the compliments of 
Jasper Morton, sometimes called the ^Duke of Arcanum.^ 

Marcellus Dunne was unable to utter a word. The paper fell 
from his hand, and a blank expression overspread his counte- 
nance. He turned in his chair to gaze at the man who was 
capable of such an act, but he was not to be seen. Morton had 
quietly slipped away unperceived. 


CHAPTER XXII L 


A EEVELATIOX. 

It very soon became generally known that the Duke of 
Arcanum ” had lifted a poor beggar from the gutter and pre- 
sented him with an elegant home and fifty thousand dollars. 
The good people of Chicago were prepared to hear of almost 
anything from Jasper Morton, but this announcemeut seemed to 
cap the climax. Such prodigal charity was unheard of, and all 
kinds of theories, excepting the true one, were advanced for the 
motive which had prompted the wealthy speculator to such a 
generous act. By some it was said that it was an eccentric 
freak of a man who had so much money he did not know what 
to do with it. Others insisted that it was a, pure act of gener- 
osity. Marcellus Dunne himself was as greatly puzzled as any 
one. The Duke of Arcanum, to all inquiries, replied : “1 
discovered a man of refinement and intelligence, who had been 
cast down by misfortune and adversity, and I lifted him up and 

placed him on his,^^ then after a pause he dismissed the 

matter humorously, by adding : “ I was going to say on his legs 
again, but I remember now that he didn’t seem to have any.” 

Humphrey Davids, upon hearing of it, declared, without men- 
tioning his own or his wife’s experience, that it was only one 
of the many marvelous acts of generosity which he had known 
Jasper Morton to do. And he always strikes with them where 
they are least expected,” said he. There was a deal of signifi- 
cance about the remark which the public did not understand, 
and which the lawyer did not intend they should. The singular 
aflair became the gossip of the city. It was discussed on 
’Change, at the clubs, theaters, indeed, everywhere. A mag- 
nificent equipage stopping upon the street, the coachman lift- 
ing a beggar from the walk and placing him in the vehicle with 
his organ, was a novel scene to people who witnessed it. It is 

325 


326 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


no they said, but a reality. The agent vouched for 

the fact that he had sold the property to the Duke of Arca- 
num,” and that it had been conveyed to Marcellus Dunne. 
Further, that the mysterious millionaire had declared that the 
purchase was not intended as an investment, but as a present. 

There was such a disposition on the part of the public to 
honor Morton that he refrained from appearing as much as pos- 
sible. As his carriage passed through the streets, however, it 
was greeted with cheers, and such popular demonstrations gave 
token of the public esteem. 

One evening, a few days after this incident, Morton attended 
the opera, and being recognized in his private box the audience 
arose en masse and saluted him. Seeing this demonstration in 
his honor, he advanced to the rail and modestly bowed his 
acknowledgment. Coulter witnessed the scene. He arose with 
all the rest to pay homage to the Duke of Arcanum,” not 
because his nature was broad enough to appreciate, or generous 
enough to applaud the acts which had endeared ]\Iorton’s 
name to the public, but because others did, and he wished to go 
with the popular tide. 

After the opera Coulter proceeded to Chloe’s rooms. He had 
been growing more and more lax in his attentions to her of 
late, it having been nearly a fortnight since he had last seen 
her. Not only had his former indiiference become noticeable, 
but he had been very negligent in providing funds for her sup- 
port. She was in arrears for rent, and her board bill at a neigh- 
boring restaurant had frightened the proprietor; while constant 
demands were being made upon her for living expenses. Coul- 
ter pleaded poverty as an excuse, complaining that he had had 
a hard run of luck at the gaming table. Thus he had restrained 
her importunities from time to time by giving her small sums 
with promises of more when convenient. Chloe had remained 
passive rather than to precipitate another scene. She no longer 
dared, in truth, to face Coulter with such a threat as she had 
on a former occasion, as he had frightened her with the asser- 
tion that she was equally as culpable as any one connected with 
the murder of Mancel Tewkes. 

Chloe had not retired. She was sitting by the table reading 
when she heard the grating of a key and the click of the lock ; 


A REVELATION. 


327 


then dropping her hook on her lap she looked up, for she knew 
who was coining. At last! Well, 1 declare! Do you know 
have been thinking of you all the evening ? I had a premoni- 
tion that you would he here to-night, she said, as he opened the 
door and entered. 

“ Is that the reason you are sitting up so late 

Partly — yes; I have been so interested in this book that I 
could not lay it down.^^ 

“ I know you are a bookworm, Chloe, I always find you read- 
ing when I come here.^^ 

And thaPs not very often, is it Jack ? 

Chloe looked askance at him while Coulter dropped his eyes 
guiltily to the fioor. 

No, not very often of late. The truth is, Chloe, I have had 
the blues so for a month, I haven’t cared to see any one.” 

Have you been losing more money ? ” 

No; I haven’t had any to lose. It’s everything in general. 
Nothing seems to go right with me. I went to the opera to- 
night to try and drown them.” 

And how did you like Mdlle. Flordelli? ” 

She is very fine ; but they had a greater card of attraction 
than she.” 

' Who was it ? ” asked Chloe, eagerly. 

The ^ Duke of Arcanum.’ ” 

^^Ah, indeed f I should like to see him. I have heard so 
much of him.” 

Yes ; as soon as the audience recognized him they arose 
and gave him an ovation. ” 

I wish I had been present. They say he is so queer; that 
he lives in a magnificent house alone with his servants; and 
that he is so good to the poor.” 

Yes; I wish he would take such a fancy to me as he did to 
the old beggar. ” 

“ Who do you refer to. Jack ? What did he do to the beggar? ” 

“ The devil, haven’t you heard anything about it yet? ” 

“ No; not a word.” 

“ Well, it was on that account they gave him such a greeting 
to-night. Its deuced strange you haven’t heard of it,” 


.TJS THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 

“ Row should I bear of it, Jack ? I don’t see anyone but you, 
^and you haven’t been near me in nearly two weeks.” 

“ But I should have thought you would have heard of it some- 
where; it’s the gossip of the city.” 

Then please tell me what it is and don’t keep me waiting; 
I’m impatient to hear it. 

“ Have you ever noticed the old organ-grinder down by the 
Custom House, sitting day after day leaning against a lamp- 
post ?” 

“ I believe I have. Do you mean the poor old legless cripple 
who never looks up?” 

“ That’s the old duffer. Well, the other day the elegant car- 
riage belonging to the ^Duke of Arcanum’ came along and 
stopped by the curbstone. The coachman invited the old man 
to take a ride, put him in the carriage with his organ, and drove 
away. The ^ Duke ’ then made him a present of a fine house 
and fifty thousand dollars in cash.” 

^‘Goodness gracious! What a stroke of fortune I Whatever 
induced him to take that dirty old cripple and give him so 
much?” 

That’s more than any one can find out ; but I shouldn’t 
mind if it had been me instead of old Dunne. ” 

“Dunne! Did you say Dunne?” Chloe asked, evincing an 
unmistakable interest in the name. 

“Yes; that’s the name of the ^ Duke’s’ protege; Marcellus 
Dunne they call him.” 

With a sudden cry Chloe started to her feet, clasping her 
hands to her forehead. “ My God ! My God! Jack, did I hear 
you speak his name ? Did you say Marcellus Dunne ?” 

Chloe’s sudden emotion was most unaccountable to Coulter. 
He regarded her curiously for a moment, wondering what con- 
nection there could be between his mistress and the name which 
seemed to affect her so strangely. 

“ What the devil is the matter with you, girl ? What’s that 
confounded old beggar got to do with you, anyway ?” 

“ Jack, you are cruel. Tell me again, did you say Marcellus 
Dunne ?” 

“ I surely did, Chloe ; do you know him ?” 

Chloe did not reply but walked excitedly up and down the 


A REVELATION. 


.120 


room, holding her handkerchief to her eyes, and muttering 
broken sentences which Coulter could not understand. Now 
and then she was seized with a paroxysm of grief which seemed 
to violently shake her form through and through. 

Unable to longer restrain his curiosity, Coulter advanced to 
Chloe^s side, and taking her by the arm, said : Chloe, tell me 
what this agitation means, and what connection you have with 
the name of Marcellus Dunne. I don’t understand it.” 

Oh, Jack, don’t ask me; I beg of you not to ask me,” 
Chloe answered, endeavoring to disengage her arm. 

But I must know; it’s a very mysterious matter, and I am 
curious to know what it means.” 

I don’t know as I have any connection with that name ; but 

it recalled memories of one who,” and breaking down with 

an uncontrollable fit of grief, she did not complete the sentence 
which might have enlightened Coulter. 

Of who ? Chloe, memories of who ? ” urged Coulter. 

Of nobody. No, it can’t be he; no, it’s impossible! ” Chloe 
answered between her sobs. 

Come now, girl, don’t let it distress you so. Tell me all 
about it. Who is Marcellus Dunne? Do you know him? ” 

“ No, Jack,” replied Chloe with an effort to calm herself, “ I 
don’t know the man you call Marcellus Dunne. I have seen 
him sitting on the walk, and I am sure I don’t know him. The 
name is a familiar one and belongs also to another. I can’t tell 
you who at present, but I may some time. Now don’t ask me 
any more questions; I am too agitated to talk.” 

Turning away in disgust, with a curse on his lips, Coulter left 
the room, slamming the door after him. 

He’s angry; but I don’t care a picayune if he is; he’s of no 
use to me anyway, for I don’t get enough out of him to buy hair- 
pins, ” Chloe muttered in a semi-audible tone, while drying 
her eyes. 

Coulter was soon forgotten, for the excitement into which 
Chloe had been thrown by the mention of the cripple’s name had 
not yet subsided. Her thoughts had been but momentarily 
diverted by the incident of his abrupt departure, and ere he 
reached the street they were again inflaming her mind with 
the poignant effects of some secret soitow. Again she arose 


330 


THE HTTKE OE ABCANUAT 


nnd paced the floor, now giving audible expression to her 
emotions: “JMyGod! can it be possible that it is my father, 
and he has been a pauper on the streets? 0 heavens! and 
then she wrung her hands and wept again. 

It was ten o’clock in the morning when Chloe awoke from a 
troubled sleep. She had remained the greater part of the night 
in this mental distress; but at length becoming thoroughly ex- 
hausted, she had settled down upon a couch and fallen asleep. 
She had no idea how far the day had advanced. She looked 
pale and haggard. Her eyes were red and swollen. Eaising 
herself to a sitting posture she clasped her hands to her temples 
as if they were bursting with pain. Then she attempted to 
walk to the bath-room, but her agitation had left her in such a 
neiwous and trembling state that she staggered as one in an in- 
toxicated condition. But after having bathed her head, and 
taken a small draught of wine, she felt relieved; and then 
arranging her toilet, she went down to the restaurant to ob- 
tain some nourishment. All of that day she kept to her room, 
thinking of what Coulter had told her concerning the “ Duke of 
Arcanum ” and Marcellus Dunne ; but she had now become 
calm, and could think of them without giving way to her 
emotions, as she had the previous evening. At a propitious 
hour after nightfall she put on her hat and cloak, and drawing 
on her gloves, turned out the gas, and left the room, locking the 
door after her. Then she descended to the street and tripped 
along the busy thoroughfare in a southerly direction. Her pace 
seemed to increase as she proceeded, and as she left the throngs 
behind her, and encountered pedestrians less frequently, it greAV 
so rapid that it suggested an errand of the utmost importance. 
Nor did she pause until she reached a great brownstono 
mansion, and timidly glancing about, assured herself that she 
stood before the residence of the Duke of Arcanum.” Then, 
with her blood mustering to her heart, in consequence of the 
suspense which her errand caused, and the dread of meeting so 
notable a person, she advanced up the walk and steps, and gave 
a proper summons at the door. 

klorton was reading the evening papers in his library, when 
the servant came with the information that a lady at the doov 


A REVELATION, 331 

was desirous of seeiug him. What name does she give f he 
inquired. 

She prefers to announce her name after being admitted to 
your presence/^ answered the servant. 

Well, I don’t care to admit Tom, Dick and Harry without 
knowing who they are. Tell her that I cannot be seen,* then, 
if she chooses to give her name, you can return and inform 
me.” 

The servant returned to the door to fulfill her master’s in- 
structions, but Chloe persisted in being admitted, saying : “ Tell 
Mr. Morton that I am not known to him, ai^d that my name 
would be of no use to him. Tell him that I wish to see him in 
relation to Marcellas Dunne ; that it is a matter of great im- 
portance.” 

Again the servant sought the library with Chloe’s importunate 
request. Upon hearing the explanation in which the name of 
Marcellas Dunne was mentioned, Morton at once instructed 
the servant to admit her to the drawing-room, and to see that 
it was sufficiently lighted. Then after a proper interval, he 
advanced to ascertain the lady’s errand. Finding a comely 
young woman, with a pale and anxious fiice, he greeted her 
with his accustomed reserve, following it with a look of inter- 
rogation. 

Chloe was somewhat embarrassed, and a trifle nervous upon 
finding herself face to face with the Duke of Arcanum ; ” and 
her voice trembled perceptibly as she attempted to begin the 
conversation. 

Mr. Morton, is it not ? ” she inquired. 

Morton bowed signifying acquiescence. What service can 
I render you ? ” 

“ A brief interview, if convenient. I am sorry to have intruded 
myself upon you this evening, but” 

Nevermind, Madam, no excuse is necessary. I understand 
your errand is of importance and I always desire to give my 
attention to matters of importance, whether they concern my- 
self or others, if I can be of any assistance, either directly or 
indirectly.” 

This encouraging speech seemed to bring Chloe nearer to the 
subject of her errand and to entirely relieve her of her embar- 


332 


TEE DUKE OF ARCANU3L 


rassmeut. You are certainly very considerate, Mr. Morton. 
You are noted for your kindness of heart. Only last nigbt I 
heard of your gift to Marcellus Dunne. The news was some 
time in reaching me, for I understand that it occurred several 
days ago. 

Morton did not reply; and Chloe observed by a certain 
twitching of the mouth and a knitting of the brows that the 
subject was unpleasant to him. “ I hope I have not offended 
yon, Mr. Morton. I am sincere in what I say. I am so inter- 
ested' in the name of Marcellus Dunne that any such act of gen- 
erosity connected with that name, I assure you, causes feelings 
of the deepest gratitude to swell within me. 

Morton looked curiously at Chloe as she spoke, lie thought 
he could see a tearful manifestation in her eyes. At any rate ho 
saw that she covered them with her handkerchief. He felt him- 
self becoming strangely interested in her; not only on account 
of her tender regard for the cripple, but also because he felt 
convinced that he had seen her face before; but where it had 
been, or what incident might have been connected with it, it 
was now quite impossible to recollect. 

“ Why does that name concern you so deeply he asked. 

It is the name of one who is very dear to me, ’’replied 
Chloe. Then endeavoring to restrain her rising emotions, she con- 
tinued : I came here this evening, Mr. Morton, to try and get 

some information as to who this unfortunate man is whom they 
call Marcellus Dunne. I am beset with dreadful anxiety. I 
hope he is not the one w^ho is so dear to mo, and still 1 fear 
that he is. I try to persuade myself that my fears are ground- 
less, but when I think of the name, Marcellus — you know 
that it is such an uncommon one — linked to that of Dunne, 
my hopes fail me entirely. 0, Mr. Morton, if you can tell me 
anything concerning this poor cripple, I beg of you to do so. ” 
I know very little concerning him. Madam ; very little, 
indeed, ” Morton calmly replied. 

Chloe had awaited his reply with an anxious look, but upon 
receiving it her eyes fell with disappointment. 

“ Do you know nothing of his history, sir? ” 

Very little. He was once quite well off though, I have 
been told — a banker, I believe.” 


A BFVELATION. 33;] 

“A banker?’^ repeated Chloe with a start, ^^and do you 
know where he came from ? 

“ I am under the impression that he came from Baltimore. 

0 heavens ! It is he, it is he, my poor and Chloe 

stopped abruptly, covering her eyes with her handkerchief. 

Seeing that she was stirred by strong emotions, and could 
not well proceed, Morton stepped to Chloe^s side, and placing 
his hand gently upon her shoulder, said in a kind voice : “ Ah, 
do not give way to your feelings. Try and finish your sentence. 
Your poor — I did not understand who. 

“ My poor father, Chloe replied, breaking down completely. 

Your father ! Marcellus Dunne your father? Well, well, I 
do remember now of his saying that he once had a child, and I 
asked him 

You asked him ? repeated Chloe, suddenly brushing the 
tears from her eyes, and casting an anxious look at Morton, as 
if she were too impatient to hear the sentence to wait for him 
to finish it. 

Yes; I asked him what had become of it, and he rexdied, 

‘ God only knows.^ 

0, Mr. Morton ! I would not have him know for the world ; 
I would rather he would think me dead, a thousand times 
rather. I have crushed his poor heart, and I am not fit to own 
his name. My father was so kind to me. ” 

Be calm, Madam, be calm. The daughter of Marcellus 
Dunne shall have her wish. He shall not know it until you are 
ready to tell him ; but I think it is the only thing wanting to 
complete his happiness. He would be content in the loss of his 
limbs to reclaim his child. ’’ 

Do you know what terrible accident has made him a crip- 
ple asked Chloe. 

Yes; he lost his limbs at the time of the fire in 71, in leap- 
ing from a third-story window. They were so badly shattered 
that amputation became necessary. 

Poor father! Poor father! Then he has lived here so long 
and I have never known it. I ^yonder if my dear mother is alive 
and with him 

Your mother is alive and well. I have seen her myself. 


334 


THE DUKE OF ATxCANUM. 


Thank heaven ! T would love to see them both, but there is, 
I’m afraid, an impassable gulf between us.” 

^^An impassable gulf! I don’t understand what gulf can 
separate a father from his child; or a child from its lather.” 

“ It is a gulf of shame— the life which I have led since 
I left them five years ago.” 

Did you leave your home purposely to lead such a life?” 

‘<No; I was enticed away with a promise of marriage by a 
man who told me that he was wealthy. We came to Chicago, 
and in a few days he deserted me. Then — 0 my God ! 1 fell 
into the clutches of one who completed my ruin and led me into 
a life of degradation.” 

Does that man still live, may I ask ? ” 

Yes, ” answered Chloe, after a pause. 

Now, if you will be frank with me, and conceal nothing, I 
may be of great value to you. I take an especial pleasure in 
righting wrongs, wherever I find them to exist, as well as in 
lifting the distressed from the depths of poverty, as you have 
seen in the case of your father.” 

At this Chloe fell upon her knees at Morton’s feet, exclaiming, 
passionately : '' Oh, sir, how shall I ever thank you for it? You 
may think it strange in a woman who was heartless enough to 
abandon her parents; but, sir, I still love them as I did when 
a child, and here on my knees I pour out at your feet all the 
gratitude my sinful heart is capable of. I may be lost to shame, 
but not to gratitude. Ask anything of me, sir. I will sacrifice 
my life for you if necessary.” 

Morton gave Chloe his hand and motioned her to rise, say- 
ing: “Come, come; this is all unnecessary. Be calm. I do 
not deserve such expressions of gratitude. I wish to ask the 
name of the man into whose clutches you fell, and who led you 
into a life of degradation. ” 

“ His name is Coulter — Jack Coulter he is called, ” replied 
Chloe, looking steadily at her interlocutor.” 

That name, unexpectedly as it fell upon Morton’s ears, acted 
like magic upon his memory. Instantly there stood before his 
mind the figure of the mysterious witness, and then, as if rising 
from still obscurer depths, there appeared the face and form of 
the woman he had seen entering Coulter’s room while lying 


A HJSIVJSZATIO^^. 


335 


feecreteci in the hall. Those images^ it is almost needless to say, 
speedily found a counterpart in the living figure before him. In 
a word, Chloe^s identity was revealed at last. 

Mortoifis face underwent a remarkable change. For once he 
could not control the manifestations of nature. The sober and 
sympathetic look became one of joy, radiant and revengeful. 
Chloe noticed it ; but before she had time for a mental calcu- 
lation as to the cause of the sudden transformation, he asked 
her : “ What is his profession or occupation? 

“ He is the Director-in-Chief of the telegraph office. 

Ah, indeed! He holds quite a responsible position, then.^^ 

Yes ; and he has a good salary, but he gambles it away as 
fast as he earns it. 

“ Where did this fellow. Coulter, take you when you fell in 
with him f 

“ To the most notorious dive in the city — Madam Kenaud’s, 
better known as ‘ French Anne^s.^ It was then located on Kiu- 
zie street. 

Why did you remain in such a place? 

The fact is I became infatuated with Coulter. I loved him — 
passionately loved him then. I would have been willing to die 
for him. 

“ Could any circumstances have made such a thing possible ? ’’ 

Chloe did not seem inclined to answer the question; but 
noticing her hesitation Morton pressed the matter saying : “ You 
promised me a moment ago to answer any questions which I 
might ask. 

“ But I am puzzled to know what you are aiming at.^' 

“ Simply to right the wrong that has been done to you ; you 
can surely not object to that.^^ 

“ I know that I owe more to you than to him. I will answer 
it. Yes ; such a circumstance might have happened ; but I beg 
of you not to inquire further, for I cannot answer without in- 
criminating myself. 

Ah, that is bad. To what extent would it incriminate 
yourself? 

It might seriously, although I acted innocently enough at 
the time. I merely did as I was bidden, and I was so situated 
that I could not well refuse. 


330 


THE DUKE OF ABCANtJ31. 


“ Are you still on friendly terms with Coulter I 

We have had no decided rupture. I have lost all regard 
^or him, and I know that he fairly loathes me, although he doesn’t 
acknowledge it. He does not dare to say it. He has treated 
me very badly of late. He comes only once or twice a month 
to my room, and of late he has furnished nothing at all for my 
support, so that I am forced to ask credit for everything, and 1 
don’t know what moment I shall be cut off.” 

“ You still consider yourself to be his mistress, then ? ” 

“ I suppose I am as long as I continue to occupy the room 
which he furnished for me.” 

What name are you known to Coulter by f ” 

“ Simply Chloe.” 

Does he know anything of your family ? ” 

“ Nothing. I have carefully concealed that from all the 
world. ” 

“ Now, Chloe, — for I shall call you such until you have 
changed your mode of life — why can you not make a confidant 
of me in everything regarding Coulter f I have done well by 
Marcellus Dunne, and I will do well by his daughter if she will 
allow me the opportunity. You must tell me all ; keep nothing 
back, so that I may judge how the case stands. Then, if it is 
advisable, we will make Mr. Coulter atone for all the wrongs 
which he has inflicted upon you. I will swear to you that no 
injury shall come to you whatever, no matter bow seriously 
you are involved. You know that I am rich and powerful, and 
I can shield you from all harm. Will you consent? ” 

It was a most difficult matter for Chloe to listen to such 
words from such a person as the Duke of Arcanum ” without 
being moved by them, and especially when they seemed to be 
made with her own welfare in view. Much as she might hesitate 
about compromising Coulter, yet that hesitation was not caused 
by any love for him. No; that was long since dead. It w^aslor 
fear of bringing herself into trouble. But Morton had promised 
to shield her from harm, and she believed that he was capable 
of doing so. Morton, too, would lift her out of the mire of pros- 
titution, while Coulter had always striven to drag her down. 
She I’emembered that Pintard had said to her “ that Coulter 
would not hesitate to take her life if ho could find no other way in 


A REVELATION, 


337 


which to dispose of her. She considered it now to be a matter 
of choice between hope^ friends and decency on one hand, and 
Coulter, destitution and i)rostitution on the other. The choice 
was not a difficult one to make. 

Morton watched Chloe intently while these thoughts were 
passing through her mind, for her reply meant infinitely more 
to him than it did to her. When her resolution was taken, she 
raised her large, dark eyes, and, casting them full upon Morton 
with a look of quiet confidence, answered: “ Mr. Morton, I will 
answer your questions; I will tell all. I now place myself in 
your charge. I cannot think that the man who has done so 
nobly by my father would bring injury upon his daughter. I 
fully appreciate the interest which you seem to take in my 
behalf.^' 

You have resolved upon a wise course. Tbe man who 
wronged you shall be brought to justice. Now 1 desire to know 
all, as 1 said before. You must keep nothing back, for I shall 
not be able to judge correctly if the truth is not stated. To 
begin with, please state what offense Coulter is guilty of, even 
though you were implicated yourself. Eemember I shall shield 
you from harm. 

It was a murder j sir, of the foulest kind!^^ replied Chloe, 
fairly hissing the words between her teeth in a suppressed tone 
of voice, as she cast her eyes nervously about the room. 

“ Murder repeated Morton, professing to be greatly aston- 
ished. 

Yes, murder of the foulest kind. 

“ Who was the victim, and what were his motives for com- 
mitting such a crime 

He and two of Madame Renaud’s vampires murdered a man 
by the name of Mancel Tewkes who held the same position that 
Coulter now does. You see that it is not difficult to account for 
tbe motive. One Stanley Edgcumb, who had been previously 
dismissed from the office, was accused and tried for the murder. 
Coulter manipulated the trial so cleverly that he succeeded in 
having him convicted. 

And was Edgcumb executed*? 

No ; he made his escape from the court-room even while the 


22 


338 


THE DUKE OE ARCANUM. 


the verdict was beiu^^ read, but coinmitLed suicide that same 
uiglit, by jumping into the lake.^' 

“ Then he is responsible for two deaths. 

“ No ; he is responsible for three. 

For three! how so ? asked Mcrron, eviuciug unusual 
interest, for Chloe seemed to be touching upon an unfamiliar 
subject. 

“ I will come to that after awhile. Let me first tell you what 
I know of the murder of Mancel Tewkes, and of Edgcumb’s 
trial.’’ 

Morton nodding assent, Chloe proceeded : “ Mancel Tewkes 
was murdered four year^ ago. Coulter came to the house — 1 
mean to Madame Kenaud’s — and plotted with her and two 
others, Pintard and Vitellius, to commit the crime. I did not 
know of it until the evening of the murder, after it had been 
committed, and they had all returned to the house. Suspecting 
that something was going on I put my ear to the key-hole 
and listened to what was said. They were quarreling about 
the spoils, or rather, because nothing was found upon the 
victim. Madame Renaud was furious, and threatened to kill 
Coulter right there. But Pintard and Vitellius interceded and 
calmed her. Then the police entered the house, and hearing 
the confusion I gave the alarm, at which all disappeared in an 
instant, excepting Madame Renaud, who turned around, faced 
the officers and laughed them to scorn. ” 

“ But what became of the three menT’ asked Morton. 

They fled into the tunnel, sir.” 

“ What tunnel ? I don’t understand. ” 

I don’t know much about it myself, only there was some 
sort of subterranean* resort under the house, into which they 
always fled when threatened with danger. They called it a 
tunnel. Well, my curiosity being aroused, I was determined to 
find out more about the matter. By listening to conversations, 
and by eavesdropping, I became acquainted with the facts, 
although none of them suspected that T knew anything of the 
crime.” 

‘‘ Why did you not go to the police then and tell all you knew, 
and thus save Edgeumb’s life?” 

“ The reason was because Coulter had such a strong hold 


A BEVELATION. 


339 


upon me. I was so infatuated with him that I would willingly 
have sacrificed my life for him ; and as for the others, I was 
afraid of them ; Vitellius and Pintard are such desperate 
fellows/^ 

But Pintard was in jail before the 

Morton saw that he had thoughtlessly permitted a slip, and 
abruptly checked himself. 

Yes, Pintard was in jail before the trial; but how were you 
aware of it 

Why, did you not state so just now?^^ 

Not that I remember, perhaps I did.^^ 

“ Well, I must have imagined it then,^^ said Morton, showing 
some confusion. 

Chloe, however, was so interested in her story that she did 
not appear to notice anything unusual. She continued : 

When the trial came on Coulter came to the house and had a 
talk with Madame Kenaud. Then she went to the jail and saw 
Pintard who testified at the trial. Then Coulter came to me 
and told me that I must cut ofl‘ my hair, don male attire, and 
give some false evidence. He gave me to understand that it was 
wholly to oblige Madame Renaud, but I knew better. I would 
never have consented to do it to oblige her, but I was willing to 
do anything for him. He brought me a suit of clothes, a hat, 
and a false mustache; told me how to disguise my voice, and 
then instructed me what to say. I was to testify that I had been 
a roommate of a certain James Eye, who it seems would have 
been an important witness for the defense, but who had disap- 
peared. I was terribly nervous about it and dreaded to go. I 
said to Coulter, ^ What if Eye should turn up again f ^ but he 
only smiled and remarked, ^ You neednh be afraid of that ; he^l 
never give you any trouble.^ Nerving myself to the task I did 
as I was bidden and Coulter was cruel enough to tell me that 
same night that my evidence had convicted Edgcumb, and that 
if he was ever hung I would be responsible for it. Oh, I have 
never done anything in my life that I regretted as much as 
that.^^ 

“ And well should you regret it. IPs a terrible thing to swear 
a man^s life away, replied Morton seriously. 


340 


TIIF DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


“ I know it, sir; and Coulter has told me that I can be hung 
for it. 

“It is a very serious matter; but you might get ofif with a 
long term of imprisonment. There is one way, however, by 
which you might escape any penalty whatever. 

“ How is that ? Do tell me, sir,^^ asked Cbloe, excitedly. 

“ By giving state’s evidence against them ; but we will talk of 
that later on. Now, if you have reached that part of your story, 
tell me who the third victim was. I am greatly interested in 
this shocking aflair.” 

“ I have nearly come to it. I will resume by saying that after 
the fire I did not see Coulter for some time, and when I found 
him he used me very badly. He wished to cast me off and 
talked very roughly to me. At last I became desperate, and 
one night we had a scene. I told him then, for the first time, 
of my knowledge of the murder, and that unless he consented 
to marry me I should expose him. He was terribly frightened. 
I never saw him wince at anything before. We compromised 
by his promising to support me, he asserting that it would ruin 
him to marry me ; that he would lose his position and friends, 
and all such nonsense. Well, he furnished a room for me ; then 
for awhile he was companionable; but a few months since his 
indifference returned, and now he seldom comes to see me, and 
gives me nothing for my support. He desires to get rid of me, 
and Pintard says he wouldn’t hesitate to kill me if he can’t do 
it any other way.” 

“ No doubt of it at all. He is a dangerous man, T should think. 
You mentioned Pintard’s name; do you see anything of him.” 

“ Yes, occasionally. He came to my room one night after 
Coulter had left, and told me he knew of something by which I 
could terrify him and make him give up all his money. He 
proposed to tell me what it was if I would promise to do so and 
divide what I succeeded in wringing from him. I was curious to 
know his secret, but T disliked the method of obtaining it. I 
suspected that it was the Mancel Tewkes affair. Having plenty 
of wine in the closet, I brought out a bottle, thinking to limber up 
his tongue, for he had been drinking before he came in. Well, 
I was so successful that he relieved himself of the secret with- 
out knowing it ; and later he became so stupefied from the 


A lii:VELAT10N. 


341 


effects of the wiue, that he fell fast asleep in his chair. He 
doesn^t know to this day that I am in possession of his secret. 
Every little while he comes around and tries to persuade me 
into a conspiracy, but I say to him, ^ No, Pintard, I^m not quite 
ready yet.^ 

You are very shrewd, remarked Morton. But what was 
the secret? 

1 will tell you, and then you will have my story. You 
remember that I spoke of a person by the name of James Kye, 
who disappeared.^^ 

“ Yes, distinctly/’ returned Morton. 

Well, Coulter was afraid of this witness, so he and Vitellius 
abducted him one night. They brought him to Madame 
Kenaud's house and confined him in the tunnel. I remember 
well of hearing strange sounds when I went into the little room 
from which this subterranean place was entered, but I did not 
know that they came from a human being beneath the house. 
They kept him for many months in that terrible dungeon, and 
when the fire came be perished. I donT know whether they 
left him there purposely to die such a terrible death, or whether 
they forgot him in the excitement. 

Chloe remarked an unusual pallor upon Morton^s face. Sit- 
ting with his elbow resting upon the chair, and shading his eyes 
with his hand, he seemed to be struggling with some emotion 
which betrayed itself outwardly in spite of his attempts to conceal 
it. Is anything the matter, Mr. Morton? You look ill/^ she 
asked, somewhat startled by his appearance. 

“ No; nothing at all ; but such shocking crimes are so revolt- 
ing to me that I become, as you see, visibly alfected by them,^^ 
Morton answered, without removing his hand from his brow. 

‘‘ I am sorry that I have disturbed you by relating them.” 

‘‘ Never mind, you need not regret it; the eftect will only be 
temporary. On the other hand I am glad that you have told 
me, for I take delight in bringing such inhuman devils to justice. ” 
In a few moments Morton had regained his composure. Chloe 
did not suspect that anything but the details of her story had 
aflected him. They had indeed to a certain extent, but their 
effect would have been trivial had any one else than James Kye 
been the subject of her terrible revelations. Morton had always 


342 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


feared that something had happened to him at Coulter’s hands, or 
through his instrumentality, but he was unprepared to hear of 
such a shocking fate, and it completly unnerved him for the 
time. As soon as he could collect his thoughts he asked : “ Are 
you willing, Chloe, to perform the part which 1 shall assign to 
you, providing that I guarantee your absolute protection, and in 
the end restore you to your parents with a comfortable fortune 
of your own ? 

I will do anything you wish, and trust all implicitly to you.” 

“Can I depend upon you to follow my instructions to the 
letter ? ” 

“ Perfectly^ sir ; though I am a fallen woman, and have lost 
my honor in one sense, yet the honor of my word is sacred.” 

“ Very well, you will have an important part to perform, and 
you must do it skillfully. Now I wish you to return to your 
room and live quietly for a time. I will furnish the necessary 
funds, besides a sum sufficient to pay your indebtedness. I do 
not wish to have you see your parents yet awhile, but when the 
proper time comes I will arrange it, and the reunion shall be a 
most happy one. In the course of a few days, if you do not see 
anything of Coulter, I wish you to send for him and tell him that 
you are the daughter of Marcellus Dunne. ” 

“ He suspects something of the kind now, I am sure.” 

“ So much the better then. But how did he come to suspect 
it?” 

“ On account of my agitation when he related the story of 
your gift to the organ-grinder, mentioning my father’s name. I 
do not know he suspects that I am his daughter, but he thinks 
there is some mysterious connection between us.” 

“ That will not embarrass my plans. Tell him you are the 
daughter of Marcellus Dunne, an only child, and that you will 
be an heir to a considerable fortune as soon as you consent to 
abandon the life you have been leading. Coulter will regret 
that he did not marry you, and will, I think, make a great effort 
to re-establish himself in your estimation. But he is perfidious, 
and you must not permit yourself to be controlled by him. You 
must play the part of a coquette, or a dissembler. Impress 
upon him the idea that you are inclined to forgive him ; that you 
will keep him on probation for awhile — say a few months — 


A BE VELA TION. 343 

and if he succeeds in making himself agreeable you will then 
accept him. Can you do this? 

“ Yes, T can play that to perfection, said Chloe, with a mis- 
chievous twinkle in her eye. 

“ But what I greatly fear is that you will succumb to his influ- 
ence. 1 am afraid there is some subtle charm about him which 
you will be unable to resist. You may think now that you can 
withstand his blandishments, but I am afraid your good resolu- 
tions will take flight when his baneful influence comes ^ be 
fully exerted. I hope not, however. 

“ Have no fears, Mr. Morton, I understand Coulter^s disposi- 

on as well as any one. I hate him ; T detest him ; T loathe 
him; he lost all power over me long ago.^^ 

You will never mention my name to him, or any one else ?^^ 
Never. 1 promise.’^ 

Eemember and keep it ; and if any thing comes to tempt 
you to violate it, remember what I have done for your father, 
and what I shall yet do for you if you prove faithful to my 
trust. 

“ I have no need to recall what you have done for my poor 
father, Mr. Morton; it is ever present in my mind and ever 
shall be.'' 

“It may take some time to bring matters to a crisis. T shall 
move slowly but surely. Have patience, take matters as they 
come, and do as I tell you ; you shall want for nothing. There 
is still another “person who requires looking after also. It is the 
man Pintard. How often do you see him? " 

“ Quite frequently; indeed, quite too frequently. He is inde- 
fatigable in his efforts to persuade me into his blackmailing 
scheme." 

“ You think, then, you are likely to see him soon ?" 

“ I have no doubt of it, sir; he's a perfect pest." 

“ Such creatures usually are ; but you can endure it awhile 
longer, can you not?" 

“ Do you wish me to encourage him ?" 

“ Exactly ; we will whet his appetite a little. When he comes 
again tell him you have thought the matter over and ha\ e con- 
cluded to embrace his scheme. You must get the story from 
bim ip pll its details, and tell him to come again ip a few days 


344 


THE DUKE OF AECANim. 


when you will inform him of your success. On his next visit 
tell him that you have frightened Coulter badly ; that he has 
consented to pay you half of his monthly salary, and that you 
will divide it with him. You can say that Coulter has lost 
everything at the card table, and that it was the best you could 
do. This will keep him near you for future purposes ; do you 
understand 

Perfectly, sir ; and I will carry it out to the letter. 

Taking a roll of bills from his pocket, Morton selected a sum 
and handed it to Chloe, saying : There is sufficient means for 
yourself and Pintard for awhile. Come again in a month and 
give me an account of how matters are progressing.^^ 

Chloe took the money, thanked Morton and departed, prom- 
ising to obey instructions. 


CHAPTER XXIY. 

A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. 

Society, like individuals, has its foibles and idiosyncracies. 
It needs only some one of prominence to popularize an idea; 
some one to take the lead, when it becomes at once the fashion 
to follow. The constituent elements of society, taken by them- 
selves, are thinking and rational beings, but, taken collectively, 
all individuality seems to undergo a transformation into a state 
of purblind submission to and imitation of its leaders, like the 
flock that rushes heedlessly along in the track of one which 
is bold enough to strike out first and set the example. 

At the time of his reception Jasper Morton occupied that 
peculiar position or prominence in society which exactly fitted 
him for leadership, if he chose to avail himself of the oppor- 
tunity. He was quick to perceive the advantage, and was far- 
seeing as to the results which might possibly be obtained. He 
wished to bestow a royal favor upon his friend, Humphrey 
Davids, but in such a way that he would not suspect his 
motives. Moreover, there were ulterior objects in view — polit- 
ical objects in one sense and a personal convenience in another 
— for he wished to raise the lawyer to political power and to 
make use of him after he had attained it. 

We have seen the elaborate preparations which were made for 
the initial step in this undertaking. We have also seen the 
grand results which were obtained, for, as Morton expected, 
society hastened to idolize the queenly figure which he had 
raised for its adulation. Humphrey Davids became a conspicu- 
ous character among men through the social recognition of his 
wife. From the day after the reception he rose rapidly in popu- 
larity. His business increased astonishingly; and in the 
course of a few months he was obliged to turn much of it 
away, not being able to attend to it. With the increased 
demand for his services, there came a corresponding increase in 

345 


346 


THE DUKE OE ABCANUM. 


the amount of his fees. Because he was popular, people sup- 
posed him to he unusually able, and an able lawyer, like a skillful 
doctor, is always in constant demand, no matter what may be 
the amount of his fees. 

Humphrey Davids soon found himself on the road to fortune. 
His success, however, did not turn his head. There was no 
hauteur in his manner, nor affectation of self-importance, for 
he was shrewd enough to see that he owed this sudden recog- 
nition by the public to Jasper Morton, and not to any personal 
efforts which he had put forth, or to any particular merit which 
he possessed over others. He recognized it as one of those un- 
accountable freaks of fortune which sometimes, like thunder- 
bolts, seem to strike at random. As he became distinguished 
as a leader at the bar. Madam Davids became distinguished as 
a leader of society. Her toilets were always the most exquisite, 
and her jewels the most precious to be seen. She had a way of 
captivating all, and the lawyer often thought that his accession 
to fortune and pupularity was due quite as much to his wife’s 
winning ways, and to the tact and skill which she displayed in 
the management of the social question, as to the happy circum- 
stances which had made it possible for them to shine in society 
at all. 

The lawyer and his wife were in constant demand in the 
rounds of gayety of the exclusive circles. No lists of invitations 
were issued but their names followed Jasper Morton’s. The 
house which they occupied at the time of Morton’s reception 
was found to be inadequate to meet social requirements, so the 
rent of a thousand a year was increased to ten thousand, and 
they moved into a mansion more in keeping with the station 
which they occupied. 

Madam Davids entertained lavishly in her new home. Her 
husband’s bank account had swelled from his enormous fees until 
it had become possible for her to do so; but each of these 
affairs, upon which the good lady tried to outdo herself, acted 
like a poultice upon the bank account — to materially reduce tlie 
swelling. However, the lawyer was not annoyed by his wife’s 
extravagance. He was extremely good-natured about it, for he 
was proud of her exalted position in fashionable circles, and he 


A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN, 347 

was seDsible enough to understand that it could not be main- 
tained without liberal expenditures. 

Madam Davids was in ecstasies over the consideration shown 
to herself and husband by the “Duke of Arcanum. The 
latter was always pressed with invitations from all quarters, but 
few of them were accepted. But Madam Davids was always 
honored with his presence whenever she invited him to the 
hospitality of her house. Morton seemed so friendly to them, so 
much more so than to others, that it not only secretly pleased 
her, but gave her a decided prestige among the fashionable 
ladies of her coterie. There was an evident desire on his part 
to impress the idea upon all that Humphrey Davids and his wife 
were really superior people. In reality he maintained no closer 
relations with them than with others. He had never invited 
them to his house since his reception, and he had rarely visited 
them informally. Tliey supposed, as did people generally, that 
this was due to an unsocial predilection, or to an aversion to the 
demonstrations which people wei’e incessantly making over him. 
The true inwardness of his motives were known only to him- 
self, and the rigid discipline which he inflicted upon himself in 
thus restraining a naturally sociable disposition — the constant 
vigilance which he kept upon his every act, word and thought — 
were secrets buried in his own bosom beyond the power of human 
discernment. 

Since Humphrey Davids had attained such eminence in his 
profession he had taken an unusual interest in political affairs. 
It did not require any great sagacity on his part to see that the 
tide of popularity which had set in in his favor might lead to 
political aggrandizement with the aid of a little manipulation. 
Morton had several times plainly intimated as much by remind- 
ing him of the possibilites of men who were eminent in law. 
“ They, of all men,^^ he had said, “ are peculiarly fitted to hold 
the reins of government, whether it be municipal. State or 
National. They are versed in the laws, in the exigencies 
requiring the making of them, and in the methods of adminis- 
tration. The people recognize this fact, sir, and whenever they 
see a lawyer of recognized ability they are eager to advance 
him to a place of honor and trust, where they can avail them- 
selves of his services. You, Mr. Davids, stand pre-eminent at 


348 


THE VUKE OE AliCANVM. 


the bar of this State, and all you need to do is to let the people 
understand that you are at their service when you will become 
the Governor of this State, or some other position of equal 
importance will fall upon your shoulders.” 

Humphrey Davids had thought much of what Morton had 
said on this subject, and it had determined him upon taking a 
more promiuent part in political aflairs than he had formerly. 
He was sure that his millionaire friend would bring to bear all 
the influence possible in his favor. One day, after reaching this 
decision, he entered Morton’s ofiSce to have a talk with him. It 
was in the afternoon and Morton was on the point of leaving 
for his residence. The lawyer being invited to take a seat in 
the carriage with him, accepted the invitation. But no refer- 
ence was made to his errand until they were comfortably seated 
in Morton’s library. As a prelude to their social intercourse 
Morton opened a drawer of his secretary, and, taking a box of 
cigars, passed them to the lawyer, saying: “One’s thoughts 
generally flow more readily, I think, under the soothing influ- 
ence of a fine cigar, or I should say tobacco. The pipe, you 
know, is an emblem of peace among the Indians, and 1 think 
they displayed a great deal of wisdom in selecting it as such, for 
what can give greater solace to the mind, or promote a feeling 
of contentment and good-will toward men, and between men, 
than to sit down and have a good smoke together? ” 

The lawyer smilingly accepted one, and replied: “ I am an 
ardent admirer of the weed ; and as to the sentiment, I am con- 
siderable of an Indian when it comes to that. ” 

After a little general conversation had transpired, Lawyer 
Davids introduced the subject of his political aspirations. “ I 
have been casting my eyes over the political horizon,” said he, 
“ since your suggestions were made a short time ago, and I am 
inclined to think that the planetary conjunctions, metaphorically 
speaking, do strongly forecast unusual possibilities. I should 
never have perceived them, though, had they not been pointed out 
to me. You are my political astrologer. You have examined 
the signs of the political zodiac, and say that the promises are 
flattering, and I have determined to ascertain what the future 
has in store for me in that direction. We have only alluded 
to political questions rather incidentally in former conversations; 


A POLITICAL CAAIFAIGN. 349 

and I have called to-day to talk them over more freely than 
heretofore, providing the subject is agreeable. 

Certainly, sir, perfectly agreeable ; but why do you come 
to an alien, who has no political rights, to discuss such mat- 
ters 

Because I think that sometimes the views of disinterested 
persons are apt to be the best.^^ 

They ought to be impartial, it is true; but you know that 
I have only been among your people less than two years, and* 
the opportunity for studying your institutions, and your politi- 
cal methods has been rather limited. I have observed, how- 
ever, that everything is run on the boss system, the people 
themselves not having much to say. In England, sir — but, 
ah ! I know how distasteful it is to you Americans to have for- 
eigners parade the virtues of their institutions before you. I 
do Jiot blame you for it. I would resent it myself if I were one 
of you. 

No, sir: you misjudge us entirely. We can bear criticism 
with good grace. We know that we are not perfect. We know 
that abuses exist. We know that evil systems in the manage- 
ment of our political affairs have grown up. They have arisen 
from a laxity on the part of the people in attending to the 
primary matters connected with political organization. They 
have been permitted to creep in by degrees until their influence 
is felt in all the branches of government. 

“ Such things would seem to be inseparable from a republican 
form of government, would they not? The constant rotation in 
office 1 believe threatens the very foundation of your institu- 
tions. It fosters a class of political tricksters who fatten upon 
the spoils of office and the tributes of ambitious demagogues. 
They make and unmake political fortunes at will, and seem to 
whip the people into the traces with all the ease of professional 
muleteers. In entering the political arena, how do you propose 
to contend against these elements 

The people must be aroused to a sense of honor and duty ; but 
the rotation in office which you speak of as threatening our 
institutions is the only safeguard we have against corruption in 
office. They cannot get fairly to work in their dishonest prac- 
tices before their terms expire. 


350 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


But the bosses to whom they pay tribute see that they 
are returned again. I insist that if the term of office was 
of a much longer duration the people would be more care- 
ful in their selection of incumbents and the boss system would 
disappear from your politics. The people cannot be aroused 
from their apathy. They are too much occupied with business 
affairs, and they leave it all to the professional politicians. The 
methods of business nowadays, the keen rivalry and competi- 
* tion which exist everywhere and in all branches of trade, and 
which are continually enhanced by schemes of advertising, taxes 
the time and energies of business men to the exclusion of every- 
thing else. Why, a business man who is compelled to lie awake 
half the night to concoct some sort of an advertising scheme to 
get the start of his competitors, what time does he have to look 
after political matters 

“ Your business is a notable exception to that class, is it 
notV’ asked Humphrey Davids mischievously. 

Morton took the joke good-naturedly, and smilingly replied: 

Yes, the less advertising the better, generally speaking, in my 
affairs ; but sometimes when it is desirable to have the lambs 
rush into the fold we have to resort to a little ingenious adver- 
tising, but it is done in a quiet sort of a way, you know.^^ 

This remark was followed by a knowing wink from one to the 
other, causing a slight provocation of the risibles. 

“ Mr. Davids,’^ continued Morton, in a more serious manner, 
“ I should be delighted to see you attain any political position to 
which you may aspire ; but I am afraid if you depend wholly 
upon arousing the people, as you say, to a sense of honor and 
duty, your success will be extremely doubtful. I know you are 
eloquent, but we are not Romans, and do not live in the days of 
Rienza. We have changed from the patriotic to the practical, 
and we resort to diplomacy instead of arms. Do you under- 
stand what I mean? 

“ To manipulation and trickery instead of agitation, I suppose 
you mean. 

Yes ; bossism, wire-pulling, or anything you please to call 
it. You must first make the acquaintance of the political 
bosses, pay your tribute, and then success is assured. 

But I have neither the means nor the inclination to go into 


A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN, 351 

politics in that manner. It requires too much money, and lowers 
a man too much in his own estimation 

“ As to the money part, Mr. Davids, my purse is open and at 
your service ; and as to the other, I will say that politicians are 
not over-sensitive or over-scrupulous. 1 do not mean that I 
wish to encourage you to acts of a fraudulent character. Not 
at all ; far from it. I mean cultivate the acquaintance of the 
political bosses ; money and influence are necessary evils. I have 
the money for you; If I had the influence you should also have 
the benefit of that. 

‘‘ Mr. Morton, you are a man of most generous impulses. It 
has not been many months since I read in the papers that you 
subscribed for a thousand tickets to the charity ball, at five 
dollars each, with the committeeman who approached you; and 
this, they say, without even lifting your eyes from the papers 
with which you were engaged; and again, less than a month 
ago, I read of your lifting a beggar from the street, and present- 
ing him with a fine house and $50,000. Yesterday the papers 
stated again that the day before, while you were driving along, 
you saw a number of men working in the bitter cold, cleaning 
the streets, bare-handed, and without the protection of over- 
coats; that you called them all into a neighboring store, and 
when they came out each was provided with a suitable pro- 
tection against the rigors of a severe winter. I do not forget 
your acts of generosity to my wife, and doubtless there are 
many such of which the public have never heard. I would like 
to ask what man can wield a greater influence than the one 
whose acts are so grand, so magnificent? Ah, sir, there are no 
adjectives forcible enough to sound your praise. 

While Humphrey Davids was delivering himself of this 
eulogium Morton sat reclining in his chair, with his head 
thrown back, emitting, little by little, small streaks of bluish 
smoke from his lips, watching them ascend, mingle with the 
atmosphere and disappear. After a short pause he straight- 
ened up, placed the cigar between his lips, drew a quantity of 
smoke into his mouth, then, puffing it out in a huge cloud over 
his head, replied: Mr. Davids, I have been thinking, while 

you were speaking, that the encomiums of the people are simi- 
lar to that cloud of smoke which you saw issue from my mouth 


352 


THE DUKE OE ABCANUM. 


just then — rather vapory. If people think that 1 have done a 
worthy act, why do they not emulate it and relieve the distress 
which everywhere prevails? If they did so, I should think I 
had some intlueucej but these plaudits are like those fantastic 
belts of smoke j there is no substance to them. I would much 
prefer to never hear them spoken. 

Humphrey Davids was astounded. He hardly knew what to 
say for a moment; but argument with a lawyer is an instinct, 
and it always asserts its prerogative, whether he is getting the 
better or the worse of it. 

Mr. Morton, you are laboring under a misapprehension of 
the true sentiments of the people of this city toward you. You 
have achieved fame and influence here such as is not possessed 
by any other man in the community, and it is not as etherial as 
you think. The people love the name of Jasper Morton, and 
you have only to try your influence with them to be convinced 
of its amplitude. 

We will try it then in your behalf, Mr. Davids, replied 
Morton, looking at him smilingly. 

“ 1 will sing your praise to the gods,^^ said Humphrey Davids, 
stepping over to Morton’s chair and grasping his hand. 

Very well, just so you don’t sing it to me,” Morton replied, 
good-naturedly. “ Now tell me,” he added, what office in the 
gift of the people have you fixed your eye upon? ” 

“The mayoralty of Chicago,” replied the lawyer, glancing 
nervously at Morton to note the efiect. The latter said nothing, 
but his features plainly indicated that he was not very well 
pleased. 

“ What, do you think my aspirations are too high ? ” the 
lawyer asked. 

“No, bless your soul! the office isn’t worth the asking. If 
you are going into politics you must try to make them think 
that you are the biggest duck in the puddle and strike out for 
the highest mark at the beginning. I think, Mr. Davids, that 
you would fill the Governor’s chair with becoming dignity and 
with great ability. Governor Davids of Illinois! that would 
sound very well! ” 

The lawyer looked blank with amazement. “ By jingo ! ” he 


A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. 353 

exclaimed, “ you take my breath away ; are you trying to tickle 
my vanity ? 

No, not at all. I don^t think you have any. I regard you 
as a man of good common sense, and think that there is the 
right kind of material in you to make a good G-overnor.^^ 

But I am not known in the State. There are few outside of 
the city who have ever heard of me. 

Very well, we will introduce you to them as a candidate for 
the Governorship of Illinois. 

Are you really in earnest 

I never was more so, I assure you. If you say the word I 
will put the machine in motion at once.^^ 

For the gubernatorial chair 

Precisely, answered Morton, looking calmly and steadily 
at him. 

“ I am at your or the people’s service ; do with me as you see 
fit. I think you are the man who is deserving of such honors, 
not I.” 

“ Impossible; I am an alien.” 

But you will not always be, I hope. I trust you will remain 
permanently with us.” 

Only a year at the farthest ; then I shall return to London. ” 

I am sorry to hear it; it will be a great loss to our people. 
What will become of the Bourse when it loses such a central 
figure ?” 

There are plenty more in the background who will step for- 
ward and make their presence felt ; have no fear of that. ” 

Mr. Morton, there is a popular belief existing here that you 
are a representative of the nobility of England. I am curious 
to know something of you — who you are, and what your title 
is, if you possess one. I have known you for some time, but 
still you are as mysterious to me now as when I first met you.” 

Morton arose abruptly, took the box of cigars from the table 
and passed them to the lawyer, saying pleasantly : “ I beg your 
pardon, sir, for permitting you to ask. I should have passed 
them before.” 

Humphrey David’s face turned scarlet. He took the hint and 
asked nothing more concerning his mysterious friend, for he 
saw that Jasper Morton had a deaf ear which was always 

23 


354 


THE DUKE OF ARCANUM. 


turned to the inquisitive. He had often heard of others meet- 
ing the same fate while endeavoring to satisfy their curiosity. 
He had ventured his own inquiries upon the supposition that 
the friendship which existed between them would warrant the 
familiarity, but he found that Morton had but one notice, which 
he served to all alike : “ Thus far shalt thou go and no 

farther. 

The conversation was changed, and after continuing it a few 
minutes longer, the lawyer went home to tell his wife of his 
I’emarkable interview with the Duke of Arcanum.^’ 

Morton was as good as his word, for shortly after this con- 
versation many of the prominent papers of the State were busy 
with the name of the eminent lawyer of Chicago, Humphrey 
Davids, asserting that he would be an available candidate for 
Governor at the next election. Some mysterious hand was at 
work shaping public sentiment in his favor. It was some time 
forward to the election; *but this mysterious hand had seen 
fit to make an early commencement. 

Thus far in our chapter no allusion has been made to either 
of the two great political parties which have met so often in 
the political struggles of the past quarter of a century. We 
assume that the practices of one are the practices of the other; 
that the methods employed by politicians are much the same 
everywhere in our great Republic, and that the success of either 
party is often due as much to shrewd mauagement as to party 
fealty, or to the questions at issue. We shall not say that 
Humphrey Davids belonged to either the Republican or Demo- 
cratic party, but we shall create a suppositious one, and our 
readers may interpret it as representing one or the other de facto 
organizations, whichever way they have their leanings. This 
we shall call the National party. 

Morton understood pretty thoroughly how politics are run. 
He knew where all the political toll-gates were located, and he 
knew that there were no by-paths to circumvent them. More- 
over he was a manipulator by instinct. We have observed this 
in his successful operations on ^Change, through which he had 


*For the sake of convenience a different year is substituted for the regu- 
lar’ year of the Illinois State elections. 


A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. 


355 


accumulated a vast fortune in a remarkably short space of 
time. He felt even a greater degree of confidence in manipulat- 
ing the political machine than the markets, for with the former 
there were merely figures to deal with, while the latter 
embraced facts as well. 

Day after day Humphrey Davids found himself growing more 
popular with the people. His name was now mentioned in the 
remotest parts of the State, and talked of more freely than ever 
in its metropolis. He knew that the influence of the ^ Duke of 
Arcanum ’ was at work ; moreover, he had heard confidentially 
from one of the members of the State Central Committee that Jas- 
per Morton had ofiered to subscribe fifty thousand dollars to the 
campaign fund providing that the convention, which was soon 
to assemble, should nominate him — Humphrey Davids — for 
the Governorship. But amidst all this the lawyer maintained 
composure and quietly awaited the result. 

When the convention assembled the delegates seemed to vie 
with one another in praising the lawyer^s name. It was admit- 
ted on all sides that he was the man for the place. His private 
record was good. His political record — he had none, and that 
was all the better, for political records are sometimes very 
embarrassing. They had assembled to nominate this man for 
Governor and they did so by acclamation. As a body the con- 
vention considered it one of those spontaneous outbursts of the 
people, an aura popular is that we hear of occasionally ; but 
there were few of the delegates who raised their voices so 
clamorously for him who might not have admitted truthfully 
that there were secret influences at work, which were largely 
responsible for their individual action. 

The National party was in the ascendancy at the time, but 
their opponents were preparing to make a strong canvass. 
When the campaign opened Humphrey Davids took the stump 
and stirred the multitudes with his speeches, while Morton 
quietly pulled the wires with the Executive Committee. For 
several weeks the excitement ran high. Nightly the streets 
resounded with the noise of beating drums and the rallying 
shouts of the political organizations as they swept along wfith 
torches and banners, rousing the enthusiasm of the populace. 

There were no particular questions at issue agitating the public 


THE DUKE OF AKCANUM. 


mind. The struggle seemed to be for mere party supremacy 
rather than for anything else. The candidates were both capa- 
ble and deserving men, and the election promised to be a closely 
contested one. To add to the uncertainty of the result the work- 
ingmen had taken for the first time, as a class, an organized 
position in the field of politics, and it was extremely doubtful 
which way their vote would be cast. The result apparently 
depended upon their action. Thus the situation remained up 
to the day before election. On the evening of that day there was 
an extensive gathering of workingmen to listen to the harangues 
of the contending poiticians. The throngs gathered, the bands 
played, and the speakers promulgated their political tenets. 
While the meeting was in progress Jasper Morton drove up in 
his carriage drawn by the beautiful creams. Eecognizing the 
equipage the crowd respectfully made way for it to pass. Upon 
reaching a position near the stand where the speaking was pro- 
ceeding, the carriage stopped, and Morton sent his coachman to 
inform the chairman of the meeting of his presence, and to 
request permission to address the assemblage. Immediately 
that the chairman had been made acquainted with the matter 
he appointed a committee to wait upon Morton and escort him to 
the platform, and a moment later he appeared in his usual calm 
and dignified manner. He was received by the chairman with 
great deference, to whom he tendered his hand cordially, saying: 
“ I hope that I am not intruding on your meeting, but my sym- 
pathies with the workingmen are such that it has prompted me 
to come and beg permission to address a few words to them this 
evening. 

The chairman returned the grasp warmly, for he felt it an 
honor to receive so friendly a greeting from the Duke of 
Arcanum. ‘‘ The workingmen, and the poor of our city,^^ said 
he, “ revere the name of Jasper Morton. You will be greeted 
by a demonstration such as you have never seen, T am sure,^^ 
and stepping forward he shouted in stentorian tones : “ Fel- 
low workingmen, I have now the honor of introducing one of 
your truest friends. You all know him. He will not speak to 
you with the tongue of a partisan, or a politician, but will talk 
to you as a friend and adviser — Jasper Morton, better known 
to you by the sobriquet of the ‘ Duke of Arcanum.^ *’ 


A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. 


357 


Morton, who had followed the chairman to the front of the 
platform, now lifted his hat and bowed. Instantly a tremendous 
cheer burst from the multitude. For several minutes it was 
prolonged, swelling from thousands of throats in a deafening- 
volume; then waning for an instant, as if to prepare for a 
renewed eflbrt, it seemed to burst forth afresh more unrestrained 
than before. Morton looked down upon the vast assemblage, 
which was convulsed with demonstrations of applause at his 
appearance, waiting for it to subside before making an effort to 
speak. The orators and politicians on the stand who had 
harangued the multitude until they were hoarse, without 
scarcely gaining their attention, looked on in bewilderment at 
the inspiring scene before them. They marveled at the man 
who could provoke such enthusiasm by a mere exhibition of his 
person upon the stand, while they, with all their eloquence and 
wit, had only won a smile or a faint applause from the few 
claquers they had stationed near the stand. 

Morton bowed frequently to the right, left and in front, hoping 
to satisfy them, and thereby calm the storm ; but it only seemed 
to add fuel to the flame, for the mighty tempest of human voices 
became for a moment more deafening than ever. Finally, after 
waiting in vain for some time for the tumult to cease, he put up 
his hand and motioned for silence in a commanding way. Those 
nearest the stand were hushed; others behind followed the 
example, and gradually the sounds diminished in volume, until 
they finally died out altogether. 

There was a manifest anxiety on the part of the politicians 
present upon the platform to know which side this man who 
seemed to be in such popular favor would take, for it was evi- 
dent that he had come there for the purpose of saying some- 
thing which would influence their action at the polls. Morton saw 
the great human mass swaying back and forth before him. It was 
the struggles of the outer masses to get near enough to hear his 
voice. Casting his eyes calmly upon the spectacle, he said in a 
loud voice, which he raised to a higher pitch as he proceeded: 

Workingmen of Chicago : You have heard the politicians 
on both sides here to-night. Are you willing now to hear one 
who is not a politician, but who has always had the interest of 
the laboring classes at heart 


358 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


Loud affirmations followed, whereupon Morton gave them a 
ringing speech, pointing out the advantages which might be 
gained by supporting the National party. He spoke of the 
labor questions of the day, and then referred to Humphrey 
Davids, the candidate, and by way of peroration, said : To my 
own personal knowledge, he is a man of pure motives, excellent 
principles, and has a warm and generous heart for the poor. I 
know that he has voluntarily defended people in the courts who 
were charged with crime, and had not the means to employ 
counsel. He will guard the interests of the people with greater 
faith than any Governor which Illinois has ever had. Take my 
advice, you sturdy sons of toil, and vote for Humphrey Davids 
Elect him your Governor, and my word for it within six months 
after his inauguration you will say that it was the most satis- 
factory ballot you have ever cast. 

As soon as Morton had finished, the air rang with cheers for 
the Duke of Arcanum and Humphrey Davids. Morton 
endeavored to take advantage of the demonstration to slip away. 
Thanking the chairman, he descended the steps. The crowd, 
seeing him go made a dash, and lifted him bodily into his 
carriage. Then removing the horses from the vehicle he was 
drawn triumphantly through the streets to his residence, followed 
by thousands cheering and shouting his name as they went. 
The great political meeting was thus abruptly terminated, an 
the speakers were left upon the platform without an audience. 
The effect of such a demonstration can be readily imagined, 
occurring as it did on the eve of election. The newspapers 
which espoused the cause of the National party made capital of 
it and it was flashed by wire to all the voting precincts of the 
State. As a result, Humphrey Davids was elected Governor by 
a handsome majority. 


CHAPTER XXV. 


THE DOWN GRADE. 

The events of the last chapter carry the narrative, or rather 
a portion of it, forward to the autumn of 1875. It will now be 
necessary for us to return to the previous year, or to the time of 
Chloe^s interview with Morton, in order to acquaint the reader 
with the events which transpired in the interim. 

Chloe waited for Coulter several days, but he did not appear. 
Then she notified him in writing that she had important news 
to confide to him ; and being curious to know what it was he 
presented himself without delay. So you have decided to tell 
me something at last, have you he asked rather coldly as he 
settled on the sofa without removing his hat, and holding a 
cigarette between his fingers. 

“Yes, a little bit, Jack. I knew you wouldn^t come again if 
I didn^t.'' 

“ 1 doiiT see as there is much inducement to come. The last 
time I was here you blubbered about that old beggar, and 
refused to assign any reason for it. I don^t fancy such 
nonsense. 

“ Well, why shouldn't I weep for him, I should like to 
know? 

“ And why should you, I would like to know 

“ Because he is my father, sir,-^ and Chloe looked him calmly 
in the eye. 

“ Nonsense, nonsense ! Did you send for me to try my 
credulity with such folderol ? You never came from a race of 
beggars, Pm sure of that.^’ 

“ No ; I didn^t. Jack, surely, but whatever may have been 
the condition of Marcellus Dunne at the time the ^ Duke of 
Arcanum ’ picked him up from the gutter, he is, nevertheless 
my father, my dear, dear father; just as dear to me as any 
father is to bis child. 


359 


3G0 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


“ I half believe you are lying, Chloe,'’said Coulter, with an 
atteropt to show a little improvement in his humor. 

I am telling you the solemn truth. There is no prevarica- 
tion nor need of any. You can believe it or not, just as you like. 

Chloe spoke with a well-feigned injured air, and Coulter 
thinking that he had really offended her, and being disposed to 
make amends for his rudeness, replied in his patronizing way 
which Chloe well understood : '' Well, I ought not to doubt 

you, but it seems strange to think that you are the daughter of 
that old— beg your pardon, I mean of Jasper Morton — well, 
confound it. Pm all mixed up; I mean of Marcellus Dunne. I 
act like a man who is very much befuddled, but I haven’t had a 
drop to-day.” 

“You really do. Jack,” said Chloe, bursting into laughter, 
for it was a decided novelty to see Coulter trip himself in his 
speech. “I suppose,” she continued, “ that you won’t have 
anything to do with me now that you know I am a creature of 
such miserable origin.” 

“ Miserable origin ! not much ; you were never born and 
raised in a hovel. Pm sure of that. If Marcellus Dunne is your 
father then he has not always been poor. ” 

“ No, indeed, he has not. Poor man! He was in affluent 
circumstances when I left home. How cruel it was of me to run 
away and leave him.” 

“ Was he a cripple then ? ” 

“ No ; he lost his limbs here at the time of the tire. ” 

“ Where was your home when you left it ? ” 

“In Baltimore.” 

“ Baltimore I What was your father’s business ? ” 

“A banker.” 

“'J'he devil! Then I have been living with a banker’s 
daughter all this time, and didn’t know it, eh? By thunder! 
There’s no end to the strange things that happen in this 
world. ” 

“ No, you have not been living with a banker’s daughter all 
this time, by any means, for misfortune overtook him soon after 
I left home. You have been living with a beggar’s daughter 
most of the time. How do you like the idea of that, Mr. 
Coulter? ” 


THE BOWN GJRADE 


3G1 


It isn^t quite so pleasant, Til admit. 

No. I suppose that Chloe the banker^s daughter and 
Chloe the beggar^s daughter are not the same to you, she 
said, disdainfully. “ You would have probably treated me 
better and would have gladly married me had you known me 
to be an only child and an heiress. 

Oh, don^t talk that way to me, Chloe. You would never tell 
me who you were. You could not expect a man to marry a girl 
without knowing something of her antecedents, could youf 

But that was not the ground of your refusal. It was 
because I was without a character. You admitted it, sir, and 
said that it would ruin you.^^ 

‘‘ But we often say things that we don^t mean, thoughtlessly, 
you know. By the way, how did the Duke of Arcanum come 
to patronize your father so mysteriously ? 

What a clever way you have of changing the subject when 
cornered, Chloe replied, turning up her nose at him. 

Come, come, honey, don^t be so hard on me ; answer my 
question. 

“ Indeed, I do not know; neither does my father. It was a 
very mysterious act.^^ 

“ How do you know that this man, Marcellus Dunne, is your 
father Were you aware that he lived in Chicago, and have 
you seen him since I was here ? 

Chloe was placed under the necessity of telling a deliberate 
hxlsehood. The evil influences which had surrounded her for so 
many years had rendered her careless of moral obligations. 
She felt no compunction in dealing in falsehood when dealing 
with people of her own class. She looked upon Coulter as 
being responsible for it as he had led her into a shameful career. 
She loathed him, she detested him, and she would rather 
deceive him than not. Morton had begun to inspire her with 
hopes for something better, and she had determined to keep 
faith with him, and to carry out the part which he had assigned 
her, no matter what she had to say or do to mislead Coulter. 
‘‘ Why, of course Fve been to see him. Do you suppose that I 
would send for you and tell you that I am the daughter of 
Marcellus Dunne unless I knew what I was talking about ? Of 
course Fve seen hiuiF^ 


3G2 


THE miKE OF AECANUM. 


“ TTliat did he say to you ? Did he want you to come home 

“ Yes ; when T can come back purified in character and live a 
respectable life. Is that a strange demand for a father to make 
upon his child ? 

“ T don’t know that it is, Chloe. Are you going to comply ? ” 
I have not decided yet. I i')resume you would be glad to be 
disembarrassed and I suppose I would be much better off 
myself. However, my father has provided me with means as it 
is.” 

“ Don’t talk so to me, Chloe. I think more of you now than 
ever. ” 

Why, Jack, I am surprised. Why so ? ” 

Hecause I know that you are somebody, and are going to 
reform.” 

Ah, ahem ! I think there’s a chance for somebody else to 
refoim, too.” 

Coulter, hardened as he was, winced under Chloe’s sarcastic 
thrust. He bit his lip and knit his brows in discomfiture, but 
he seemed to control his temper better than usual. He had, 
undoubtedly, an object in doing so. “ Chloe, you are always so 
caustic that no one can talk with you without getting angry. 
You angered me the last time I came here, and I see you are 
determined to drive me off to-day in the same humor.” 

Chloe saw that she was carrying her point too far, that she 
might provoke him to leave in a bad temper, and in such a case 
it would put her in a humiliating position to ask him to come 
again. Concluding to change her tactics before it was too late, 
she burst into a merry laughter, saying, “ Oh, Jack, don’t get 
angry again. My gracious, I thought the house was coming 
down on my head when you slammed the door the other night.” 

This having the desired effect in removing the danger of a 
disagreement, and in bringing a I'eluctant smile to Coulter’s face, 
Chloe continued the conversation. Yes; my father would take 
me home willingly, and make me heir to his estate.” 

“ How much is that, Chloe? Is it really true that the ^Duke 
of Arcanum ’ gave him as much as he is credited by report? ” 
interrupted Coulter. 

“ True ; every word of it.” 

<< And joM are the only ohijd?^^ 


THE DOWN GEADE. 


363 


The only one. Can you give me up to my poor old father 

Coulter did not reply to the question at once, but appeared 
thoughtful. 

“ Silence gives consent,’^ remarked Chloe. 

By no means, girl ; you must take me with you if you go.^' 

Chloe again burst into laughter, but Coulter maintained his 
composure, and awaited her reply with a serious look. 

Why, what should I do with you, Jack. My father would 
not have you there. 

Not as his son-in-law ? 

But you are not his son-in-law. 

I know I am not ; but it would be a very easy matter for us 
to have the ceremony performed. Now that I know who you 
are and something of your antecedents, I am willing to do as 
you proposed some time ago. 

And I am not, replied Chloe, with decided emphasis. 
“ When I was ready, you were not ; now you are ready, I am 
not.^^ 

I thought you were anxious to change this state of concu- 
binage for a legitimate one.^^ 

So I was at one time, but not at present. You have not 
treated me right, and you know it. 

I admit that I have been slack of late in keeping up 
expenses j but IVe been unusually straightened. How much do 
the bills amount to now % Idl give you the money to settle 
them.^^ 

“ The bills are all settled, Mr. Coulter, replied Chloe, very 
coolly. 

“ Who was good enough to do that for you. Miss Dunne 
asked Coulter, good-naturedly trying to imitate her look and 
tone. The mimicry being so well executed, and the name, Miss 
Dunne, sounding so strangely to her, Chloe could not maintain 
even the semblance of composure. 

Oh, dear, it has been a long time since I have heard that 
name. It did sound so strangely. Jack, to be called ^Miss 
Dunne ^ once more. 

‘‘Mrs. Coulter would sound much better, though; and you 
would have the satisfaction of knowing that your husband 


m 


THtJ DUKE OP AECAPVM. 


held an important position. But tell me, Chloe, who paid 
the bills for you 

My father provided me with money to cancel all my debts ; 
was it not good of him 

“ Yes j but he is able to do it. But, Chloe, I want you to tell 
me just how you feel toward me; do you expect to have nothing 
more to do with me 

“ I expect to remain here some time yet. If you wish to come 
here and see me, you are welcome to do so.’^ 

But do you refuse to marry me?^^ 

“ At present I do. I will put you on probation for awhile, 
and if I find after a sufiScient trial that you have become a differ- 
ent man, then I may consent to become your wife. 

“ And how long do you propose to keep me on probation 
Oh, a few months ; doff t be impatient. I once loved you 
so madly, Jack, that I would have done anything you might 
have asked. I would have even sacrificed my life for you ; but 
your conduct since has greatly cooled my ardor. Now, if you 
wish me to marry you, you will have to win my love over again. 
That can only be done by gentle treatment, and by showing the 
same regard for me that you did formerly when I put myself 
wholly in your power. 

And in the meantime what do you propose to doT^ 

“ I shall stay where I am until I am satisfied that you have 
reformed, or that 1 cannot reform you.^^ 

“ Then you will not go home to live during the interval 
No; not until I see what is to be done in your case.^^ 

Will you continue to occupy the same relations to me as in 
the past?^^ 

“ I shall no longer be your mistress. I am going to reform. 

Coulter scowled a trifle, but he saw that Chloe was in earnest ; 
and further, that she was master of the situation, and it would 
be useless for him to protest. The truth was he did not care 
much. He had long since tired of her, and the look of disap- 
probation was intended more to deceive her with the idea that 
he still cared for her than anything else. Chloe, however, fully 
understood his insincerity. She knew that every act and every 
motive of the man should be distrusted. He could no longer 
deceive her as in former days. She knew that there was not a 


THE DOWN GBADE, . 


305 


grain of love in his nature ; that every thought was measured 
by selfishness, and that his sudden conciliation, or willingness to 
concede what she had demanded on a former occasion, was not 
impelled by the motives which he had expressed, but by a desire 
to share the benefits which the Duke of Arcanum had 
bestowed upon her father, and which sooner or later would fall 
to her as the only heir of his estate. She even shuddered at the 
thoughts of what might happen in the event of such an alli- 
ance. She knew that he would not hesitate to poison them all 
to get possession of the property. Had he not sacrificed three 
human lives for less mercenary purposes ? What would deter 
him from taking three more when the results to be gained were 
immeasurably greater*? 

“ Chloe, I didn’t expect such a banishment as that,” Coulter 
replied, while the scowl of disapproval returned. 

“ I can’t help it. Jack. I have determined to reform, and the 
sooner I begin the better. Are you not willing to have me 
do so *? ” 

Oh, yes; I want an honest woman for a wife, of course, but 
I shouldn’t think that it would take as long as you say to 
reform. ” 

Why, you see that you are so steeped in sin yourself that you 
don’t know anything about reformation or the length of time it 
requires; moreover, much will depend upon the progress you 
make yourself as to how long I shall keep you waiting. It may 
be an eternity; what do you think of that? 

I’ll try and make you think as much of me as you did down 
at the old house. Can I furnish you with any money or any- 
thing for your comfort? ” 

“Nothing at all; I am provided. My father will pay my 
expenses ; but he does not want it known by a single human 
being that I am his daughter until I have reformed and returned 
to his home. Will you keep the secret. Jack? ” 

“ Why, certainly; no one shall know of it through me.” ^ 

“ My father is peculiar, and if I do not rigidly respect his 
wishes he would be liablv. to disinherit his Chlotilda ” 

“ Chlotilda! Bah! Is that your true name ? ” 

“ Yes, Jack. I’ve been waiting all the evening for you to ask 
it, but you don’t seem to be as inquisitive as usual. My name 


366 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


is Chlotilda Dunne, but father always called me Tilly. When I 
came here I took the first syllable and added an e. 

“ Well, ril stick to Chloe, for I think Tilly is abominable, and 
Chlotilda is too much of a mouthful. 

“ It is all because you are not used to it. When I adopted 
the naipe of Chloe, I thought of all the old colored women in 
creation every time I heard it pronounced ; but now that I have 
become used to it, it sounds well enough.^’ 

Yes, it’s true, it’s all in getting used to it ; we can get used 
to almost anything.” 

Coulter’s visit was only prolonged for a few minutes after 
this. Upon leaving, he embraced Chloe with apparently as 
much affection as he had shown in the first stages of their 
acquaintance ; but her heart was not responsive as then ; the 
dove had been transformed into a viper which only awaited a 
favorable opportunity to inflict a fatal sting. As Coulter closed 
the door after him, she bounded to her feet and exclaimed to 
herself: Oh, what a mockery there is between us. That 

embrace ! that kiss ! Was there ever anything more hypocriti- 
cal in all the world ? Yes ; perhaps my promise to marry him 
was as false. Marry him! Marry a murderer ! What a mock- 
ery ! What hypocrisy ! But I have the best of him, for I 
know the hand he is playing and he doesn’t mine.” 

Then after a few steps up and down the room, muttering to 
herself the while, she paused before the mirror. Her dark eyes 
flashed wicked glances and her lips curled with contempt. She 
seemed to notice it, and clenching her fist and shaking it at the 
image in the glass, she broke forth into another rabid tirade 
against the man to whom only a moment before she had been 
all smiles and sunshine. 

Shortly after this occurrence Pintard came again to urge 
Chloe to embrace his scheme of extortion. Chloe worked upon 
him as cleverly as she had upon Coulter, and he gave up what 
he supposed to be his secret while she professed to be shocked 
at the revelation. Following Morton’s directions faithfully she 
gathered all the details of the crime, just as he had gathered 
them from Vitellius and Madame Renaud. She told him that 
Coulter had deserted her, leaving her with unpaid bills, and she 
swore vengeance upon him. Pintard’s sinister eyes gleamed 


THE EOWN GBABE, 


367 


with delight, for he knew that there is no torment on earth 
worse than being pursued by an infuriated and revengeful 
woman. He went away chuckling at the prospects, admonish- 
ing Chloe to be as severe and unrelenting as she knew how. At 
the appointed time he returned to learn the result. Chloe 
was ready with the plausible story invented by Morton. I got 
all I could out of him, said she, but there isn’t much juice 
in a turnip, you know. Coulter has come to about that condi- 
tion ; he is all pith and no succulence, as a result of his mania 
for gambling. The poor fellow would have given up all, had be 
owned the bank of California, for he was badly frightened. 
Here is fifty dollars, Pintard ; you can depend upon that much 
every mouth with a prospect of something better after awhile — 
probably within a year.” 

Well, that’s better ’an a kick, ’specially to a bugger that’s 
hard up like me,” said Pintard as he gathered between his dirty 
fingers the roll of bills which Chloe tendered him. 

“ I am glad to see you satisfied, Pintard, for I knew you 
would expect more, but I did my best with him. Fifty dollars 
a month isn’t bad though. It will keep you pretty well, and 
by and by we will get more. Keep quiet, and if by any un- 
fortunate accident the police should get hold of you, you must 
manage to let me know for I might be able to help you.” 

The cops ain’t goin’ to git me agin, ye kin bet on that.” 
Pintard gufiawed in his coarse and vulgar way ; but Chloe 
silenced him by saying: “ You must be very careful, for you are 
liable to meet Coulter, and then he would suspect the whole 
plot. Keep away and only come once a month to get your 
regular allowance. Don’t say a word to Madame Eeuaud con- 
cerning me or my whereabouts ; do you understand ” 

“ Of course, Mam’selle, ye’ve got a long head. Gim’me a 
woman ev’ry time fur a schemer. Pll come agin in a month.” 

You may go,” said Chloe, dismissing him. 

“An revoir,” and Pintard made a hasty movement in the 
direction of the door. 

Au revoir,” returned Chloe ) but the Canadian was up and 
away before the salutation could reach his ears. The money was 
burning in Ins pocket; his throat was parched for want of 
whisky, and his tongue was stift* and tormenting for the want 


368 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


of a quid of tobacco. His eyes had wandered restlessly toward 
the door since Chloe had placed the money in his hands, and 
when she said You may go,^^ it was equivalent to cutting the 
rope which held a captive balloon. 

“ Well, there^s another one fixed, Chloe exclaimed, in her 
usual soliloquizing way, when Pintard had gone. If the nasty 
villain will only keep out of my sight, except to come and get his 
lucre, I shall be very thankful. I felt like handing him the money 
with a pair of tongs, his hands were so filthy. And to think 
that I have been consorting with such creatures for so many 
years! I wonder what my father would think if he knew what 
had really been my lot since I left home. I don^t believe he 
would ever let me cross his threshold again. Thieves, cut- 
throats, murderers, perjurers, pimps and prostitutes! What 
a mess ! Oh, horrors ! it makes my very blood run cold to think 
of it. But I have throwm them all over at last — or nearly so — 
and, thanks to the ^ Duke of Arcanum,^ I shall soon sw eep my 
skirts of both these villains. How they will squirm when the 
^ Duke ^ lays his hands upon them ! I can’t help it, it’s the only 
path to decency, and I am just as desperate in clearing it of 
obstructions as Coulter and Pintard would be if the situation 
were only reversed. Would they hesitate to kill me? No. 
Then why should I show them any mercy ? Curse them ; I never 
shall.” 

Chloe had felt some anxiety as to the w^ay in which Pintard 
would receive the small amount which she claimed to have 
extorted from Coulter, and there was a deal of secret satisfac- 
tion when she saw him accept it good-naturedly, without show^- 
ing disappointment or a disposition to complain. She had 
feared that he would prove ugly and obstreperous, but the state 
of his exchequer was such, she found, that he was glad to 
secure any sum, no matter how insignificant. 

On reflecting over matters as they stood Chloe flattered her- 
self exceedingly that she had carried out the instructions of 
the ‘ Duke of Arcanum’ with greater success than she had 
anticipated. She marveled at his shrewdness and foresight, 
for everything thus far had resulted as he had predicted. 

About a month after this incident Coulter unexpectedly lost 
his position as Director-in-Chief of the telegi'aph office. He had 


THE DOWN GBAJDE. 


369 


gradually become enslaved by bis propensity for gambling, and 
night after night he had courted the fickle smiles of fortune by 
turns at faro, roulette and other games of chance. Everything 
had appeared to go wrong. His losses had continually grown 
gi*eater and greater, but with the frenzy and persistence, the 
longing and certain expectation which all experience who fall a 
prey to th^ insatiate mania. Coulter kept his vigils by the green 
cloth, and watched, waited and wagered. Occasionally he 
would make a small winning, just sufficient to stimulate his 
hopes and invite him to stay with the game until his money was 
gone. Fortune seemed to shun him entirely, and he found him- 
self upon the down grade, traveling at a rapid pace and 
gathering momentum at every step. 

Some time before Chloe’s first interview with Morton, CoulteFs 
resources were exhausted ; then falling back upon his acquaint- 
ances he borrowed from those who would lend, taking the most 
desperate chances with the loans at the gambling table, in the 
hope of winning back what he had lost. His losses and debts 
haiassed his mind to such an extent that he neglected his duties 
at the office, absenting himself for hours at a time, trying to find 
solace in the decoctions furnished at the various rum chapels in 
the neighborhood. Here again his credit was brought into 
requisition, and bills for liquors and cigars were accumulated 
with startling figures. But he seemed wholly indifierent to 
them, putting them off with one excuse or another, or continuing 
to add more to the column of debts when permitted to do so. 
Having no money for Chloe he kept out of her sight until she 
sent for him, telling him that she had good news to communi- 
cate. Upon learning that his mistress was the daughter of Mar- 
cellus Dunne he thought that he saw an avenue of escape from 
his troubles. Chloe had previously seemed so anxious to have 
the marriage rites solemnized that he did not doubt in the least 
that she would consent to legalize the relations which existed 
between them. With the daughter of Marcellus Dunne for his 
wife, and she an heir to the snug little fortune which the 
Duke of Arcanum had settled upon the cripple, his credit 
would be re-established, and he would be able to avert the 
catastrophe which seemed otherwise inevitable. He had heard 
Chloe’s decision with mild dissatisfaction, but he did not dare to 

24 


370 


TBE DUKE or AKCANUM 


protest against it, for he well knew^ that he had more than one^ 
endeavored to cast her off, and to drive her into deeper depths 
of shame. He left her apartment that night hoping that she 
would reconsider her decision and marry him without w^aiting 
the length of time which she had proposed. Then they wmuld 
go together and live with Marcellus Dunne. He saw the necessity 
of changing his manner toward her decidedly, so that she would 
think his old dame had been rekindled in earnest, and that he 
really loved her with a devotion of which she did not think him 
capable. 

Coulter saw Chloe thereafter as frequently as two or three 
times a week. She received him cordially, hut to all his impor- 
tuniugs for a speedy marriage and return to her father^s house 
she turned a deaf ear. No, I am not ready yet j you have not 
courted me long enough. Jack; I like it; don’t be impatient, ” 
she would say in a mischievous manner. She could readily see 
that something troubled him. There was a strong odor of 
liquor about him, and sometime she thought he was consider- 
ably under its intiuence. This was unusual, for as much as 
Coulter had been in the habit of dissipating in other ways, he 
had always kept a clear head and been moderate in the use of 
intoxicants. 

Affairs had come to such a state at last with the Director-in- 
Chief that a reckoning could not be further postponed. His 
creditors were clamoring for their pay. They came to the 
office to demand a settlement, but they were not admitted. 
They threatened him upon the streets, but he was imperturb- 
able. Then matters were brought to the attention of the 
superior officers of the company. An investigation followed 
and Coulter was dismissed. Thus the man who had plotted 
against his companion, and had caused his chiefs murder that 
he might gain his place, at last fell from the coveted position 
through his own folly and weakness, leaving the scene of his 
authority in deeper disgrace than the victim of his machinations 
had in years gone by. 

From the telegraph office to the gambling den was an easy 
transition for Coulter. He slid as naturally and easily from one 
to another as a turtle glides from a log into the water. That 
was his element and his nature prompted it mechanically. He 


THE DOWN GBABE. 


371 


felt more at home in the interior of such a place, amidst the 
clicking of dice and poker chips, than in the great hall of teleg- 
raphic industry, amidst the clicking of the instruments. But he 
found that he could no longer play the games which he had 
formerly indulged in. He was obliged to descend to the lev^el 
of a petty gambler with its concomitant vices, including bad 
liquor, bad tobacco and bad company, but it was made toler- 
able by visions of luck, that fatal mirage which hope holds out to 
lure them on; for where is one who feeds on superstitions and 
consorts with the fickle whims of fortune but who thinks that 
his time has yet to come, and who either patiently or impatiently 
awaits it f The delusion is but a hollow mockery of their lives. 

Coulter visited Chloe soon after his dismissal. He looked 
gloomy. He had come to tell her of his misfortune, and he felt 
no little humiliation in doing so. He considered it prudent, 
however, as she would soon know of it, and he wished, more- 
over, to convey the idea that he was at last making a confidant 
of her by telling her of his troubles, thereby hoping to work 
upon her sympathies. Chloe prepared the way for him by 
remarking as soon as he entered the room : Jack, you look 

awfully gloomy to-night; what has happened to you? 

“ Well, Chloe, I feel pretty blue, to tell the truth. It seems 
good to have some one to tell your troubles to when you are 
despondent. You are the only one I can talk to in confidence, 
so I have come to tell you all. I have lost my position at the 
office. Isn’t that enough to make a fellow look glum f ” and 
Coulter cast an appealing glance, such as Chloe had never seen 
him indulge in before. Dissembler as she was, it was difficult 
for her to conceal the pleasure which the announcement had 
caused her; and although she condoled with him by a 
sympathetic expression of countenance, yet inwardly she 
smiled, for she saw at a glance that his misfortune would 
render him more tractable, keep him within bounds, and cause 
him to be more dependent than ever upon her. She was glad 
that he had lost his position because he was not worthy of it. 
She was also glad because ^she wished to see him humbled as he 
had humbled her, and she recognized it as the working out of a 
just retribution for the manner in which he had obtained it. 

“ Why, you surprise me ; how did it happen ? I’m so sorry 


:^72 HE DUKE OE AECANUM. 

for you/^ answered Cbloe, in a feigned expression of deep 
i-egret. 

“ Are you truly sorry, Chloe ? asked Coulter, drawing her 
to his side and kissing her. 

“ Of course I am ; why shouldn’t I be ? ” and Chloe wondered 
if he were really as hypocritical as she thought. 

“ Well, it happened just as anything might hapi)en ; they 
thought they could dispense with my services and they did so.” 

“ But what charges did they bring against you ? ” 

“ What do you suppose they were, my dear ? ” 

“ Oh, I suppose it was gambling and drinking, or, perhaps, 
mismanagement of the office.” 

“ No, Chloe, they discovered that I have been living with 
you. I was charged with incontinence, and I could not very 
well deny it.” 

“ Humph ! if you were dismissed on my account you are a 
martyr to a good cause. I really thought it was something 
worse, ” said Chloe, with an incredulous smile upon her mouth. 

“Of course I am; I know it; I don’t complain at all. I 
would be willing to sacrifice more than that for you any time, 
my dear.” 

“ Ah, how you have changed, then, for I remember quite dis- 
tinctly when you refused to make me your wife because you 
said it would be your ruination — that you would lose your 
place.” 

“ Chloe, are you never going to forget that? ” asked Coulter, 
rather impatiently. 

“How can I? You know such things always stay by one, 
whether they are desirable recollections or not. ” 

“ But I have explained it all by telling you that I did not 
know who you were at the time. But I see now the folly of 
my actions then. I should have consented to the marriage, 
and have made you a legal wife. I have lost my position by 
befriending you; but what of it? If I now had to choose 
between you and the position I should let the position go. 
I will get along some way, I have no fear of that. ” 

“ I hope you will; but what are your intentions? Have you 
any funds for present requirements?” 

“ Nothing, absolutely nothing. I am bankrupt. I have lived 


ms DOWN GEAbE. m 

Oil an extravagant scale, with the idea that situations never 
fail; but I find it was an hallucination.^^ 

I haven^t much myself, Jack, but I will share what I have 
with you,^^ and taking out her purse, Chloe gave him some 
money. 

Coulter accepted the proffered assistance with seeming reluct- 
ance, but like every other act it was deception, for, in reality, he 
felt no hesitation whatever in taking it. I will take it because 
I need it, but shall only consider it a loan,” he said, and this 
without the least manifestation of gratitude. 

“ Never mind,” replied Chloe, “ I shall have more in a few 
days, and if you require it I will share it with you again.” 

Coulter did not urge his claims any further that night. For 
once he was circumspect, and contented himself with the few 
dollars received from Chloe, waiting and hoping for favorable 
results from his visit which he fancied would come in her 
afterthoughts, when she saw the tenderness and regard which 
he evinced for her. He little knew the cunning of the woman 
who was apparently so self-sacrificing, or the motives which 
prompted her generosity. 

The next evening Chloe went again to Morton^s residence to 
inform him of Coulter’s downfall. Morton smiled upon hearing 
the recital of her conversation with him, illustrating the rank 
insincerity existing between them. He encouraged her to con- 
tinue her dissembling attitude, and giving her a fresh supply of 
funds he instructed her to bo liberal with him, and to furnish 
him with reasonable amounts occasionally, so as to keep him 
dependent upon her as much as possible, bidding her to come 
again when her purse was depleted. 

It was not long after this that Coulter went on a protracted 
debauch. For several days he remained in an intoxicated state, 
lounging about saloons, gambling resorts and bagnios. He 
avoided Chloe during this time. When at length he was sobered 
sufficiently to take an account of results he found that he had 
been robbed of his watch and his diamond. His linen was 
soiled, his silk hat crushed and badly furred, and his garments 
were gray with the accumulation of dust and dirt. While in 
this condition he was met by the proprietor of a noted resort in 
which he had played a losing game for many months. He had 


374 


TBt: DUKE OE ABCANUM. 


been a fi oquenter of it off and on for as many years, and the 
proprietor knew him well. He also knew the position which 
he had occupied and the cause of his downfall, and in charity 
gave him employment at turning the roulette-wheel for the 
players. 

As soon as Coulter could make himself presentable he visited 
Chloe again and told her that he had been ill. She knew better, 
however, for she had heard of his inebriated condition. Ho 
informed her that he had found employment in a bank, but he 
was careful not to mention that it was a faro-bank. But he 
did not deceive her as much as he suspected, for she had 
shrewdly kept advised of his x>^oceedings. She knew that he 
was falsifying when he assigned the reason which he did for his 
dismissal, and being determined to ascertain the truth, found her 
suspicions justified by her inquiries. His mendacity was so well 
understood that she questioned the truth of every utterance as 
much as the sincerity of every act; but she kept her thoughts to 
herself, and maintained the same agreeable demeanor toward 
him as formerly. 

Although Coulter felt at home among the habitues of the 
resort, yet he felt chagrined at turning the wheel of fortune for 
others. It was too great a denial to witness their play without 
taking a hand himself. But what could he dof He had neither 
funds nor credit, and his salary was not more than sufficient for 
a decent living. If he played and lost there would be no alter- 
native but to starve or steal. But the mania existed, and being 
uncontrollable it must be appeased. There was one resource 
left— the contents of his room — and they were sacrificed. After 
this, when he occupied a bed at all, it was in one of the cheap 
lodging-houses of the city. With the money realized from the 
auctioneer he was enabled to indulge for a time in the fascinat- 
ing ventures of the roulette. But time only sufficed to dispel 
the illusion. His luck had vanished, and his money followed in 
the train of that which had gone before it, leaving him again 
fiat but still consumed by his devouring propensity. Remorse, 
which is the natural companion of ill-fortune, then seized him, 
and he writhed under the tortures of a brain on fire, with visions 
of his former self and the realization of liis present distress. 
What solace is there for a mind perplexed and troubled to the 


THE DOWN GRADE. 


375 


verge of distraction ? Whisky ! Ah, he had traveled over the 
same road before, and his inclinations were already bent ; so, 
seizing upon the bowl, he sank again into the depths of intoxi- 
cation and despair. The natural sequence of his inebriation was 
his being set adrift by his employer, for a man was of no use to 
him who was too drunk to turn a roulette wheel, or to deal the 
cards at the faro table. He had given him an opportunity to 
sober down and reflect upon the folly of his course, and he did 
not profit by the opportunity. His infatuation was too strong, 
and where infatuation exists there is little or no reflection. 
Coulter^s infatuation for all sorts of dissipation blinded him to 
reflection, and he became a helpless victim to the preponderat- 
ing influences of vice. 

There came a time, however, within a few days after being 
thi’own out by the gambler, when, through necessity, the fog 
cleared from Coulter^s mind. The last farthing was gone, and 
as for credit that had long since been exhausted. When this 
state of things came about, he began to see that a crisis was at 
hand. He must have money, and how to obtain it was a problem 
for him to solve. It would be absurd to suppose for a moment 
that he had any thought or inclination of gaining it honestly. 
No; all intentions and purposes of the man were to prey upon 
others. His thoughts were in the direction of crime. His mind 
was fixed with a desire to perpetrate some great crime, through 
which he would become enriched. He was willing to take the 
chances of punishment. He could match his own cleverness 
against the police or detectives. What greater chances could 
he take than those which he had already taken ? He thought 
of bank robberies, forgeries, burglaries, swindles and even 
murder. He was ready to try anything which would pay for 
the risk. But it was ready money which he required, and, 
thinking that it would take too long to conceive and execute a 
plan of such a character, he abandoned it for one which he 
thought would better suit present requirements. This was to 
compel Chloe by intimidation and threats to marry him and 
return to her father^s house. Once installed in the home of the 
cripple, he had no fears but that he could soon control his 
money. More than six months had elapsed, and Chloe was now 
po nearer the point of eonsunimating the marriage than when 


370 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM, 


she had sent for him to tell him that she was the daughter of 
Marcellus Dunne. He was desperate, and was determined now 
to make her yield. In this frame of mind he sought his former 
mistress. He had not been to see her in several days, but small 
matter of concern was that. He was not going there for the 
purpose of making excuses, but to compel her to marry him or 
have it out with her. 

Chloe knew that Coulter had lost his place in the bank, as he 
called it. She had kept well informed of his doings and where- 
abouts. She knew that he had been dissipating, and the mo- 
ment be entered her room she was able to tell his exact condi- 
tion and the probable nature of his errand. He looked sullen 
and ugly. She had never seen him look so before, and she at- 
tributed it to the after effects of his debauch ; but she greeted 
him so pleasantly and cheerfully that he was, for a moment, 
disarmed. 

“ Why, you have been ill again, havefft you. Jack? I’m so 
glad to see you;” and, putting her arm through his, Chloe 
escorted him to the little sofa. 

“No; I’ve been drunk,” growled Coulter. “ I should think 
you could see that with half an eye.” 

From Chloe’s manner Coulter might have supposed that she 
was greatly shocked by the announcement. Leaning forward 
and resting her elbow on his knee, she looked up in his face in a 
gentle but reproachful way, saying : “ Jack, you don’t mean it, 
do you?” 

“ Yes, I’ve been as drunk as a roustabout; I can’t leave the 
cursed stuff alone when I have the blues.” 

“ Has anything gone wrong to make you despondent ?” 

“ Yes; I’m out of work again, and out of money, too.” 

“ I’m sorry, real sorry. Jack.” 

“Yes, you’re very sorry —undoubtedly you are, ” answered 
Coulter, with a snarl. 

Chloe perceived that there was a threatened storm— that 
Coulter was in ill-humor and would quarrel with her upon the 
slightest provocation — and she resolved to be guarded in every- 
thing she said. Straightening up and leaning against the back 
of the sofa she toyed silently with her bracelet; she looked 


THE DOWN GEABE. 377 

sober, but not offended. Jack, what have I done that you 
should talk to me so she at length inquired. 

You have brought the whole curse upon me. If you had 
consented to a marriage six months ago the old man would 
have given us a start, and I wouldn^t have been lounging around 
saloons and faro-banks all this time, nearly crazy with the 
blues. 

Jack, listen to reason 

“ Damn your reason! there isfft any in you.^^ 

Won’t you listen to what I have to say? pleaded Chloe. 

“ I don’t want to hear any nonsense. I came here on a 
matter of business and I am going to settle it.” 

Upon hearing these words, spoken so bitterly and spitefully, 
Chloe feared the worst. She saw that a scene could not be well 
avoided, but she would pacify him if she could. 

“What business do you wish to settle with me. Jack? I 
thought that your visits here were devotional, but they seem to 
be emotional,” said Chloe in her brightest and happiest way. 

“ You’re very funny when you wish to avoid a racket. But t 
think that we had better have an understanding. I want to 
know if you are ready to fulfill that promise ; you have kept me 
waiting long enough.” 

“ What promise do you refer to. Jack? I was not aware that 
I had made any.” 

“ You lie when you say it. You know that you have promised 
to be my wife. ” 

“ Oh! ” said Chloe, “ that was conditional, and the time has 
not expired yet. Moreover, you couldn’t take care of a wife 
just now while you are out of work.” 

“ No; but you could take care of a husband.” 

“ Don’t be foolish. Jack. I can do more for you as I am than 
I could should we marry and go to my father’s house. You see 
he is very queer and very set in his ways. He has prescribed a 
certain length of time in which I am to make an effort at 
reformation; then, if I convince him at the end of that period 
that I am a changed woman he will gladly receive me home, 
and a husband with me, should I choose to bring one. If I 
should disobey his orders now and return home, with or without 
a husband, he would cast me off forever. Then what would 


378 


THE miKE OF AECANUM. 


become of ns? Ton would only have a burden instead of a 
fortune in your wife. 

While Coulter appeared to be considering his reply, Chloe 
continued : ‘‘No; don^t be uneasy, I will do what I can for you. 
You must try and get a place somewhere, so when the time 
comes for me to return home I can show a husband who has 
some means with which to provide for his wife. I^m sure my 
father would think all the more of you.^^ 

Coulter seemed to cool down considerably under Chloe^s gentle 
remonstrance. 

“But Fm all out — busted, collapsed — not even a place to 
lay my head. Fve had to sell everything in my room to live. 
Fll have to come here and stay with you.^' 

“ No, if it has come to that I will give up my room to you and 
go elsewhere.’^ 

“ Well, it has come to that ; I must have the room. I bought 
the stuff and it belongs to me. You have a rich father an I 
have nothing ; besides, sis, I must have some money. There^s 
nothing like being plain. Have you any ?^^ 

“ Yes, Jack, I can spare you ten dollars. 

“ Ten dollars ! humph growled Coulter. 

Taking out her purse Chloe opened it to give him some 
money ; but in the very act of her charity Coulter snatched it 
from her hand. Her face flushed with indignation, while his 
brightened with a look of villainous exultation. At first she 
was upon the point of giving way to her anger and making a 
struggle to recover it ; but upon reflection she leaned back pas- 
sively on the sofa and endeavored by her silence and coolness to 
give him to understand that her feelings had been outraged by 
his conduct. Coulter merely glanced at her, however. He was 
too eager to secure the contents of the purse to waste his atten- 
tion on its owner. Chloe had gone the previous day to Morton's 
house to receive her regular allowance ; and Pintard not having 
appeared, and having disbursed but a trifling amount, there was 
a plethora in the purse. Plucking its contents and eyeing it a 
moment with a greedy gaze. Coulter thrust it in his pocket and 
then threw the empty purse on the floor. Chloe could no longer 
restrain her indignation. 

Grive me that money, sir, or Fll have you arrested/^ 


THE DOWN GRADE. 


379 


Coulter gufl*awed in an exasperating manner; and Chloe 
again demanded : Give me that money, I say, or Idl have 

you arrested. 

“If you do, then Pll tell who you are — daughter of Mar- 
cellus Dunne, a prostitute. How would the old man like to see 
that in the papers, sis ? I think I have you on the hip. You^d 
better shut up and say nothing about it. Now, I’ll give you 
fifteen minutes to pack up and get out. Do you hear? ” 

“ Do you mean it? ” asked Chloe, appealingly. 

“ Yes, I mean it; and, what is more, }ou must keep me sup- 
plied with money till you make up your mind to be my wife. 
As long as you do this there will be no trouble; but, just the 
moment you stop, God help you.” 

Chloe had never been afraid of Coulter before, but now she 
was ti'embling from head to foot. She did not dare to resist 
him. There was no other course than to submit, for it would 
never do to have him talk about her. 

“ How much money do you wish me to give you? ” asked 
Chloe. 

“ I want a hundred dollars a month until you become my 
wife. ” 

“ And how shall I get it to you ? You are going to drive me 
away.” 

“ I will meet you at the Tivoli on the night of the first of 
every month. See that you be on hand with the money. ” 

Chloe said nothing more, but began to pack her trunk. She 
put her jewelry in her pocket, and placed her small pistol in 
her bosom. When she had finished she put on her hat and 
wraps, opened the door, and seizing hold of the handle, by a 
great efi*ort dragged the trunk into the hall and shut the door. 
Having neither a place to go nor money with which to obtain a 
lodging, she sat down upon the stairs a few moments completely 
overcome. Tears came to her eyes, but she brushed them away 
heroically, and then descended to the street. 

It was past nine o’clock, but the shops were still bright with 
illumination and the streets full of people. For some distance 
Chloe walked along, endeavoring to calm her unquiet state of 
mind, and meditating what she should say to Morton, and where 
she could obtain shelter for the night. Raising her eyes me- 


380 


mE LUKE OF AECANUM. 


chanically, and glancing through a window, she saw that she 
w^as before a pawn-shop; then an idea occurred to her. She 
had her jewelry in her pocket and she could obtain money by 
pledging it; and, acting upon the impulse, she entered the place 
and hastily made a bargain with the proprietor. A few minutes 
later she had found a lodging and sent for her trunk. 

Chloe was more distressed by the fact that Pintard had not 
come for his money as usual than from the indignity which she 
had suffered from Coulter. He was now three days overdue and 
she feared that he might go to the room and encounter Coulter. 
Further, she was without funds to pay him should she sec him. 
Pintard had always come for his money in the early i)art of the 
day. She still had the key to her old room, for Coulter, having 
carried one himself, had not thought to demand it when she 
left. Might she not go there and wait for Pintard f It seemed 
an excellent idea, and she adopted it, for she knew that it would 
never do for Pintard to go there and meet Coulter. Arriving at 
the door, she placed her ear to the keyhole and listened for some 
time without hearing a sound. Then i)eering through she saw' 
the light from the window. There was no key in the lock and 
she knew that Coulter was gone. In an instant she w'as inside 
surveying the room. The bed being unused, she concluded that 
he had gone aw ay soon after her departure, and had spent the 
night in dissipation. There being little danger of his returning 
she sat down to rest and wait for the Canadian. 

Two hours had thus passed when Chloe heard footsteps in 
the hall, and a knock at the door. Her heart tluttered with 
excitement, for she thought Pintard had come at last. Noise- 
lessly she tripped to the door and opened it, but instead of Pin- 
tard, she found herself confronted by an ill-visaged youth who 
handed her a note, remarking : The jailor said you would pay 
me for the trouble.^' 

Chloe opened the note and read : 

“A man by the name of Pintard has been arrested and jailed. He wants 
you informed of it. Please pay the boy for the delivery of this information. 

(Signed) ‘‘Tuknkey.” 

To say that Chloe felt greatly relieved by the news which the 
note contained inadequately expresses her feelings. She felt a 
mighty burden lifted from her shoulders, and her happiness w^as 


THE DOWN GBAJDE. 


381 


so great that she could scarcely restrain herself from a voluble 
demonstration in the messenger’s presence. Giving him a 
satisfactory recompense, she dismissed him without rewarding 
Pintard with a thought for his trouble. 

Coulter continued his dissipation until his stolen funds gave 
out. Then he began to sell off the contents of Chloe’s room, 
gambling with the proceeds and keeping in a constant state of 
intoxication. On the first of each month he found Chloe waiting 
for him at the Tivoli with the sum which he had demanded, and 
which Morton regularly supplied for his indulgence. With this 
he entered into fresh carousals, extending them until it was 
exhausted. He did not make any further demands upon his 
former mistress; he was contented so long as the money was 
forthcoming, and she was well satisfied to he rid of him. She 
was provided with the necessary means by Morton to establish 
herself in comfortable apartments, and she felt happier than she 
had in many years; but she longed for an end to the double 
part which she was playing under his instructions. 


CHAPTER XXYI. 

A MYSTERIOUS T7REATH. 

Imogen heard nothing more from Stanley for several months 
after she received the thousand-dollar note. His first visit had 
been attended with such an exciting adventure and narrow escai)e 
that she did not expect he would make any further efibrts to com- 
municate with her for some time to come. She, with the child on 
and Mrs. Tiernan, lived comfortably. They were happy — that 
is, the children and Mrs. Tiernan. As to herself, she could expe- 
rience no happiness while Stanley was roaming through the 
world with his life constantly in danger. She alone carried the 
secret of his existence and fugitive state in her bosom. The 
others not knowing of it w^ere happy. The neighbors, as she 
expected, talked as it became known that she had given up 
her position in the store. It was generally supposed that she 
had matrimonial intentions in doing so, but as no one was 
seen to come and go from the little home upon whom the 
suspicion of being a suitor could rest, they were somewhat per- 
plexed about the matter. Mrs. Hawley, like others, twitted her of 
such intentions, but Imogen laughingly assured her that she 
would rather make buttonholes than to acknowledge any oiher 
name than the one which she then possessed. To all she gave 
as an excuse that she was merely taking a rest. 

After a few weeks of idleness Imogen thought it would be 
prudent to resume her occupation again in a moderate way to 
silence the gossip which had sprung up in the neighborhood; 
but instead of going to the store she had her material l)rought 
to the house. However, it was only now and then that she 
worked ; merely sufficient to keep the rust from her needle ; 
bat she always kept her work about so that when the neigh- 
bors called there might be an appearance of industry in the 
house. 

The best part of a year wore away before Stanley was heard 

382 


A MYSTEBlOtJS 


383 


from again. Paget came home from school one day with a 
letter for her mother^ saying that a stranger had given it to her 
to take to her mamma; that he had accosted her, calling her by 
name as she was leaving school. She had seen him at other 
times near the schbol-hoiise as she was coming home. Imogen 
knew that it was from Stanley, and putting it aside she sent 
Paget away on an errand that her emotions might not betray 
her when she opened it. She found to her delight that she was 
not mistaken and that it contained another thousand- dollar 
note. This letter was as silent as the first had been con- 
cerning his whereabouts or occupation. He spoke tenderly of 
the children, and told how hard it was to restrain himself from 
embracing them when he saw them on the street, as he fre- 
quently did ; and what a pang it caused him not to be recog- 
nized by them. As she read she frequently paused to wipe 
away a tear which dimmed her sight. To hold in her hand a 
letter in his own handwriting, and to read the sympathetic and 
passionate words which it poured forth, brought back with great 
force the memories of the past. It was only the second com- 
munication which she had received from him since the day he 
was so .ruthlessly torn away from them and thrown into prison. 
It had been the only means by which she had known that he 
was still alive and well. Her tears were those of thankfulness, 
and when she had finished reading the letter she sank down 
upon her knees by her chair, buried her face in her hands and 
remained for some time in silent prayer. A few moments later, 
as she was folding the letter with the intention of putting it 
away, she noticed a few words upon the back which had escaped 
her attention. She read : 

“If the inclosure is received promptly, without mishap, please fasten a 
narrow shred of white cloth to the inside of one of the blinds, so that, when 
thrown open, it can be seen from the street. Leave it there for two or three 


I That night, after all had retired, she complied with his 
j request. The following day she sat by the window until dark, 

j in hopes of catching sight of her husband, should he pass 

j, the house. Toward the middle of tlie afternoon she saw a mag- 
nificent carriage, drawn by a pair of beautiful cream-colored 


384 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


horses, dash by, the coachman, in full livery, sitting erect ui)oii 
the box, a very conspicuous figure. The carriage was closed, 
and, if it contained an occupant, she did not see one. The dash 
and beauty of the equipage was an attractive spectacle for that 
part of the city, but she in no way associated it with her hus- 
band. Then the children came running in, with the explana- 
tion that the Duke of Arcanum had just passed. Some one 
had recognized the vehicle, and the word had spread rapidly 
among the children on the street. 

“ Did you see him, mamma ? asked Geryl, her eyes bright- 
ening at the thought of such a distinguished personage passing, 

“ No, my dear,'^ replied Imogen. “ I saw the beautiful car- 
riage and horses, but could not see the ‘ Duke.^ 

“ I saw him, mamma, and he looked out of the window at 
me.^^ 

Imogen thought that it was nothing strange. She then related 
to them the remarkable things which she had heard and read of 
him. The children listened attentively, their interest enthralled 
by the story, which sounded as wonderful and fantastic as the 
tales of the Arabian Nights. While Imogen was thus talking to 
them, she kept her eyes as much as possible upon the street, 
pausing now and then to scan some passing face. For a week 
every spare moment of time was spent at the window, but she 
saw no one whom, she thought, had the least resemblance to her 
husband. 

The little family had lived happily together for some time 
without anything to trouble them, but with the advent of fall 
Mrs. Tiernan fell seriously ill. The doctor was called, and pro- 
nounced it a case of general debility. She kept about for a few 
days, but was finally compelled to take to her bed. All felt 
much grieved at Mrs. Tiernan^s prostration, for she seemed as 
dear to them as if she were in reality “ Grandma, as they 
called her. The doctor came every morning, but she seemed to 
be losing strength daily. Imogen suspended her work entirely^ 
that she might devote herself to the patient, and the children 
ran to her bedside on returning from school, preferring to re- 
main and comfort her rather than to go out and engage in play. 
For two months Mrs. Tiernan kept to her bed, growing feebler day 
by day, until the doctor finally declared that the case was hope- 


A 3£YSTBmOUS WREATH, 


385 


less, and that she could last but a few days. The children were 
informed, and the house became even gloomier still. Concluding 
that it were better to tell Mrs. Tiernan the hopelessness of 
her case, that she might be prepared for the end, Imogen 
availed herself of an opportunity while the children w^ere absent. 
Taking a seat at the bedside she took the sufferer’s emaciated 
hand in her own and attempted to tell her of her approaching 
dissolution, but breaking down she buried her head in the 
snowy pillow and sobbed long and uncontrollably. Mrs. Tiernan 
bad become so weak that her voice was almost inaudible, but 
her feeble efforts were understood by Imogen. She said: 

Don’t sob, dear ; don’t sob ; Oi know what ye’r thrying to say. 
Yes, Oi’m going to lave ye, dear, in a little while. ” 

Oh, Mrs. Tiernan ! you have been so good to us all; it will 
be so hard to part with you. ” 

But we must all part sometoime dear. Oi’ve known me 
toime was near at hand for many, many days. Oi knew that 
the medicine which the doctor left would not be afther savin’ 
me loife ; and in a few days it’ll all be over. God be praised, 
ma’ar:: thin Oi shall be wid the angels in hiven. Perhaps Oi 
may see yer little darlint that we laid away, and ” 

Mrs. Tiernan paused a moment. Her breath came short and 
quick from her exertions. 

“ And you will caress him for me, were you going to say, 
grandma?” 

If Oi have the power in me, shure, ma’am; but Oi was 
goin’ to say perhaps Oi may see yer i)oor husband, too, and if 
Oi have the power to sphake, Oi’ll tell him how happy ye are, 
and how good ye’ve been to poor ould Bridget Tiernan in her 
last years. ” 

Imogen was greatly touched by the words of the dying woman. 
It was some minutes before she could control her emotions suffi- 
ciently to speak. 

“ He was a good man, Oi know he is in hiven,” Mrs. Tiernan 
added, while Imogen was trying to restrain her grief. 

Oh, grandma, ” cried Imogen, at last, I have wronged you 
so much ; will you forgive me for it ?” 

Wronged me ! no; ye have niver wronged anybody, and if yo 
have, it’s not me, Oi’m shure.” 

25 


386 


THE EUKE OE AECAEVM. 


“ Yes, I have wronged you, grandma ; but it was from neces- 
sity I could not help it ; for his life depended on my secrecy. 
My dear husband is alive and wtII ; but he is innocent of that 
murder. I have led you to believe that he was dead, and I 
have wronged you in doing so ; but Stanley said I must not 
tell, and not even my children know it. Will you forgive me, 
grandma?^’ 

Mrs. Tiernan was too much overcome by this announcement 
to make any reply whatever. Her face assumed a placid smile, 
and closing her eyes she remained motionless, as if life had sud- 
denly flitted away, leaving the cold clay stark in the attitude of 
death. Being alarmed at her appearance, Imogen raised the 
emaciated hand, and bending over the quiet form listened for 
sounds of breathing. Then, thinking that she could detect faint 
signs of respiration, she spoke to her. The lips moved, and 
she distinguished in the almost inaudible whisper which came 
from them the words ; “ Oi’m so glad, so glad; Oi forgive ye.^’ 

Imogen did not leave the bedside until Paget and Geryl 
returned from school. She administered the remedies wdiich the 
doctor had prescribed to revive her from such sinking spells, and 
by nightfall there was a noticeable improvement. 

The medicine, however, was merely palliative. It sustained 
and prolonged for a time the life which was fast ebbing away. 
The children were detained at home for the final parting. It 
soon came, and Grandma Tiernan, beloved by all, passed quietly 
away, while the doctor, Mrs. Hawley and the family were 
gathered about the death-bed. 

The day following Mrs. Tiernan^s death Morton entered a 
public carriage and was driven to the neighborhood of the 
school which his children attended. This he frequently did, 
hoping to catch a glimpse of them, for it was the only means 
which he had of ascertaining if they were all well at home. It 
had generally been his custom, if ho saw nothing of them, to 
drive past the cottage, and sometimes he was rewarded by a 
view of his wife at the window. He was always careful to em- 
ploy a different vehicle, and invariably a closed one. Upon this 
occasion, failing to see anything of his children among the 
troops of little ones which wmre tripping homeward, ho dii’(‘cted 
that the carriage should be driven slowly down the street upon 


A MYSTEBIOUS WBEATH. 


387 


which the cottage was situated. Arriving in the vicinity he 
scanned the faces of the children gathered here and there at 
play, but he saw nothing of his own. The carriage moved on 
and was before the house when, to his consternation, he saw the 
emblem of death depending from the door-knob. The shock 
was so sudden and unexpected that he was rooted to his seat, 
powerless to control a muscle, while his heart seemed to have 
ceased its pulsations, and his breath to have utterly failed him. 
The carriage had proceeded several yards beyond the cottage 
ere the functions of life renewed their activity. His first im- 
pulse was to spring out and enter the house, regardless of con- 
sequences; but a second thought served to rally his wits from 
the lamentable chaos into which they had been suddenly 
plunged, and to restrain him from an act of such palpable im- 
prudence. The carriage rolled on, while he became a prey to 
the most terrible anxiety. He saw that the insigna of death 
was hlackj and with the dreadful conviction that his wife had 
been taken away he sank back in the carriage completely over- 
whelmed with grief. 

In vain the driver asked for directions whither to proceed. 
Upon opening the carriage door he found his passenger in a 
state of melancholy from which it was difficult to arouse him. 
“Drive me anywhere, anywhere; leave me alone with my 
thoughts,” was the only response he could obtain. 

After reaching home, Morton determined to visit the cottage 
that night, and take a farewell look and bestow a parting kiss 
on the lips of his dead wife. He waited until nearly midnight 
before leaving his residence. It was a long walk, and the 
first hour of the morning sounded before he reached the neigh- 
borhood. 

He entered the cottage yard from the alley, carrying some- 
thing carefully in his hand, and stealthily approached the little 
porch at the rear of the house. By standing upon the end of 
this porch he could reach the only window which gave light to 
the kitchen. Trying it, he found it securely fastened. Then 
with a sharp knife, he commenced to remove the putty from one 
of the panes of glass. It was a tentative task to perform in the 
gloom of night without a light to guide his operations. Only 
by the sense of touch could he tell where to use the blade. The 


388 


TITE DUKE OE ABCAKUM, 


little triangular glazier points with which the pane was secured 
to the sash were an endless source of annoyance to him, hut at 
length, hy running his fingers along the edge of the glass, he 
found it free for removal. Then it was an easy matter to cut a 
notch in the sash, insert the blade of his knife and lift it out. A 
moment later he stood inside the cottage. 

A perfect stillness reigned in the house. He felt certain that 
some one was watching with the dead in the front room and the 
question was how to reach the coffin unperceived. He was in 
doubt whether he should go in boldly and make himself known, 
or whether he should watch an opportunity to steal in unob- 
served. He concluded that he should have to be governed by 
circumstances; and advancing by way of the hall he sought to 
reconnoiter his position. To his joy he saw a dim light shining 
into it, by which he knew that the door of the front room was 
open. He reached it on tiptoe and peered in. The first object 
which met his gaze was the coffin resting upon two chairs in the 
center of the room. Then came the terrible realization that he 
was in the presence of his dead wife, and with it he felt his 
strength failing him, being compelled to lean against the wall 
for support. Could he go and look calmly into that dead face 
without giving way to his emotions so that it would arouse all 
in the house? All the years of their sparation and the heroic 
struggles of his wife— all the hopes which he had cherished of 
soon being restored to her, and the delight which he had 
anticipated in raising her up to affluence and esteem— crowded 
into his grief-stricken, burning brain. I will take a last look 
at her dear face, let the cost be what it may,’^ he muttered to 
himself, at the same time moving upon the threshold of the 
door. Surveying the room at a single glance, he saw two 
women who had been left to watch by the corpse, but like 
unfaithful sentinels they had fallen asleep. One was reclining 
upon the little sofa, and the other resting her head on the table. 
From their garb it was evident that they were Sisters of 
Charity. A lamp was burning low on the mantel, shedding a 
dim light about the room, rendering it difficult to distinguish 
objects clearly. Upon approaching the coffin Morton found the 
upper portion of the body exposed, but a cloth hid the features 
from view. Lifting this gently he gazed at the face of the dead. 


A MYSTUmOl/S WBt:ATll. 


389 


but the deep shadows of the room prevented a recognition. 
Trembling with the deepest emotion he stepped to the mantel, 
and taking the lamp in his hand he turned it up a trifle, 
returned to the coffin, and held it down close to the face. One 
glance was sufficient to cause him to start back in astonish- 
ment, and to nearly drop the lamp into the coffin. “ What, 
merciful heavens ! not Imogen ? No, no ; it surely is not my poor, 
neglected wife.^^ Then suddenly remembering that the features 
of the dead often change so that it becomes difficult to recog- 
nize them, he held the lamp down to the coffin again and looked 
a second time at the quiet face within. “No; it is not Imogen. 
God be praised ! It is the face of an aged person. The hair is 
gray — almost white; and deep wrinkles mark the brow. It is 
some one I have known — ah, yes; Mrs. Tiernan, our old 
washwoman! I remember — yes — and now it all comes back 
to me. I remember that Imogen told me she was her house- 
keeper. God bless her poor old soul ! 

It is not difficult to perceive under such extraordinary cir- 
cumstances how quick was the change from sorrow to joy in 
the expression of Morton’s countenance, and the look of thank- 
fulness thereon upon making this discovery. Language cannot 
express the ineffable happiness of such a sudden transition 
from the deepest of human sorrows to a knowledge that it does 
not exist. As may be imagined Morton was beside himself with 
joy, but it seemed most difficult for him to realize at once that 
the stark form before him was not the one which he had ex- 
pected to find, and his extravagant sensations, for a moment, 
w^ere such as are seldom experienced in life. 

Placing the lamp back upon the mantel he again turned it 
low as he had found it, and returned to the hall, saying to him- 
self: “I will leave it anyway, I will leave it as a token of 
thankfulness that Imogen still lives.” 

Morton had left a beautiful wreath which he had brought 
with him in the hall; and, carrying it in without disturbing the 
sleepers, he placed it on the coffin. Then covering the face 
with the cloth he quietly left the house. 

There was great excitement in the cottage when it was found 
in the morning that some mysterious person had left a beautiful 
wreath upon Mrs. Tiernan’s coffin. Imogen knew that there 


390 


THE LUKE OF ARCANUM. 


was but one hand that could do such an act. She discovered 
how he had gained an entrance, but she kept it all to herself. 
Others talked and marveled at the mysterious visit ; but addi- 
tional interest was created by the statement of the watchers, 
who, it was supposed, had kept their vigils by the dead, to the 
effect that they had not slept, and that the wreath must have 
been placed there by some supernatural power. 

Autumn came and with it the elections. Imogen watched 
the gubernatorial contest with absorbing interest, and when 
the announcement came that Humphrey Davids had been 
elected she was delighted, for she had not forgotten the 
services which he had rendered Stanley in his hour of trouble. 
She had followed his career and had seen him obtain wealth and 
influence with great satisfaction, but she little thought that it was 
due to the acts of her own husband, that it was he who had 
raised him from an obscure practitioner at the bar to the 
proud distinction of being the Governor of the State. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

A FRESH TRAIL. 

Jarmyn had long abandoned all hope of connecting Coulter 
with the murder of Mancel Tewkes. He had shadowed his 
movements persistently, but about the time of Edgcumb^s return 
from London, having secured no evidence of his complicity in 
the crime, he slackened the pursuit and soon after abandoned 
his theories altogether. He could never quite overcome the idea, 
however, that there were some very mysterious circumstances 
connected with the crime which made it extremely difficult to 
explain CoultePs relative position thereto. It has already been 
said of Coulter that he seldom went to “ French Anne’s ” after 
the trial, and when he did he was so discreet in his movements 
that Jarmyn never became aware of it. As to the mysterious 
witness who claimed to have been Eye’s room-mate, he never 
succeeded in obtaining any trace. The espionage which he 
placed upon Imogen’s house was never relaxed. He was cease- 
less and untiring in his efforts, managing to give a certain share 
of his attention to the huckster’s house, but saw nothing of the 
delinquent. An unremitting search was kept up in all localities 
where he thought there was any probability of finding him. He 
had never mentioned to his chief any facts in connection with 
this affair. He was smarting under the effect of the adroit 
maneuvers by which Edgcumb had outwitted him. He was not 
willing to confess such stupidity to his chief, therefore he kept 
these matters to himself, determined some day to surprise him 
by confronting him with the man whom he had supposed to 
have committed suicide on the night of his escape. He expected 
sooner or later to create a sensation by some such proceeding. 
He thought that :he world would recognize in him the genius of 
a great detective when it became known how long and patiently 
he had followed his man, how sagacious he had been in unrav- 
eling the mystery after the escape, how he bad identified hint 


392 THE DUKE OF ABGANUM. 

at the hospital, and how ho had penetrated his disguise as a 
huckster. 

When Jarraynsent to his chief for a detail to come to the hospital 
to make the arrest, and it was discovered that the man had sud- 
denly taken flight, he did not give the name, but sent word that he 
would explain when able to return to duty. But the fire occur- 
ring within a few hours, and the general excitement and unset- 
tled condition of affairs which prevailed for so many succeeding 
months, enabled him to escape the inquiries of his superior. The 
Chief of Police forgot the matter entirely, and Jarmyn was care- 
ful not to mention it. 

There was one individual whom Jarmyn had always suspected 
of having more knowledge anent the movements of the fugitive 
than any other — Humphrey Davids. He remembered his own 
conversation with the nurse wherein she had told him of the 
check of which she had heard the doctor and matron speak. 
Humphrey Davids had undoubtedly befriended his client after 
his escape. He considered it probable that he still knew some- 
thing of his whereabouts, something of his haunts, and he 
esteemed it judicious to keep an eye on the lawyer occasionally. 

Thus matters stood with Jarmyn up to the time of Imogeifls 
retirement from the store. He was still moved by an uncon- 
trollable desire to take the delinquent, being as alert, deter- 
mined, sanguine and expectant as ever. It is not a matter of 
surprise that he should have heard the gossip concerning Edg- 
cumb’s wife, for a shrewd detective usually manages to hear 
everything, and particularly the gossip of the locality in which 
he is interested. He is generally clever enough to keep on good 
terms with some of the neighbors, so that anything which tran- 
spires that might prove desirable information may reach his 
ears as speedily as possible. 

Jarmyn had a faculty, a wonderful faculty, of being able to 
fathom the most abstruse of human intentions. To him they 
were a study, and he could calculate results from the most trivial 
circumstances which, to the average man, would have no sig- 
niflcance whatever. He reasoned from the fact that Imogen 
had ceased work so soon after she had seen her husband that 
he had provided her with means for her support, and that if such 
were the case he must of necessity be enjoying prosperity. But 


A FRESH TRAIL. 


393 


here, for once, his shrewdness deserted him and he fell into a 
train of fallacious reasoning, to-wit: That Edgcumb, fearing 
for his life, had secluded himself in some remote region, and 
only came to see his family at long intervals. In this connec- 
tion one cannot but admire the judgment and forethought which 
prompted Morton to assume the role which he did upon his 
return. It practically placed him above Jarmyn’s suspicions, 
and on a plane of life where there was little likelihood that he 
would ever encounter him. This, added to the total isolation 
from bis family, threw the law^s hound from the scent and left 
him circling round and round in a maze or labyrinth of intangi- 
ble suppositions. 

The “ Duke of Arcanum^^ was to Jarmyn as much of an 
enigma as to others. He had heard much but seen nothing of 
him, save an occasional glimpse through his carriage window as 
he was driven through the streets. He had nothing in common 
with the man whom, it was supposed, controlled millions of 
money and manipulated one of the greatest markets of the 
world. There was nothing to bring them in contact with each 
other. He walked in the humble paths of a comparatively 
obscure public servant, while the “ Duke of Arcanum was 
courted by the wealth and aristocracy of the city. He did not 
bother his head about one who was so much above him in tlie 
social sphere. There had never been anything charged against 
Jasper Morton, and hence there was no reason to think that he 
was other than what he seemed. Jarmyn^s thoughts and efforts 
were directed usually to the lowest strata of society, for it was 
there he sought and found offenders of the law. There came a 
time, however, when it began to be apparent to him that his 
theories were wholly erroneous, and a revelation of another 
nature dawned upon his mind. It was prompted entirely by an 
incident, but he was in such a frame of mind that he could con- 
nect almost anything of which he might hear or read, no matter 
how miraculous or absurd, with Stanley Edgcumb. The incident 
referred to was Mortoffs gift to Marcellus Dunne. Jarmyn 
heard of it, as did everybody, and as he claimed that there must 
be a motive which prompts every act, so he asserted that there 
was likewise one in this instance; that it was not a mere im- 
pulse of generosity. He did not see anything in it whereby to 


394 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM, 


connect the name of Edgcnmh, nor did he scarcely think of him 
while musing over the latent intentions of the mysterious man 
of the bourse. He knew that Jasper Morton was reputed to be 
an unfathomable person; that little or nothing was known con- 
cerning him. He knew there were some who thought him to be 
an English nobleman. He knew that the mystery which seemed 
to surround him had given origin to the sobriquet of the Duke 
of Arcanum/’ and he felt an irresistible desire to penetrate the 
mystery. 

Obedient to an impulse which seemed to be inspired by kite, 
Jarmyn made a beginning to his investigations by calling upon 
Marcellus Dunne. The cripple was glad of an opportunity to talk 
to some one, even though a stranger, of the fortune which had 
fallen to him so unexpectedly. He never grew tired of publishing 
the virtues of the “Duke of Arcanum,” or of talking of the 
strange manner in which he had been made suddenly rich by 
the whim of the speculator. 

“ Have you ever had any relations with Jasper Morton at 
any period of your life that you can remember f ” asked Jarmyn. 

“ None, whatever, sir. I never saw him in my life until a few 
months ago,” Marcellus Dunne replied. 

“ Where was that, may I ask? ” 

“ On the street. He was in the habit of putting a contribu- 
tion in my box occasionally, as he passed along. He always 
had a cheerful word for the poor old cripple ; ” and this in a 
humble tone of voice, as if it caused him some mortification to 
revert to the occupation which he had recently pursued. 

“ Did he ever have any conversation with you ? ” 

“ Only on one occasion; it was the last time I saw him pre- 
vious to this great surprise. ” 

“ Did you notice anything remarkable about that conversa- 
tion ? ” 

“ Only that he appeared considerably agitated when I re- 
counted the incidents of the great fire and the manner in which 
I lost my limbs and fortune.” 

Jarmyn’s eyes twinkled with satisfaction. He seemed to 
think that he had made a start in the right direction, and 
suddenly, he did not know why, a vision rose before him. Tie 
could see the murderer Edgcumb, whom he had so long and 


A FEESH TEAIL. 


395 


diligently pursued^ darting like an ominous bird of night through 
the streets of the burning city, robbing defenseless people of 
what they had saved from the tlames. He asked hiuiself: 

Can it be that he robbed Marcellus Dunne and left him to 
perish in the tlames? Then he thought of the gift by which 
the cripple had received more than he had lost, and he began to 
waver in these accommodating reflections, for he reasoned that 
it would not be in the nature of things for a thief or a murderer 
to make such a restitution. However, he went on with his 
investigations. 

“ Agitated, eh?^^ remarked Jarmyn. “ It would appear that 
he had had some connection with the event, and the sudden dis- 
covery of the sufterer, whom he had supposed to be dead, some- 
what unsettled him for a moment.’^ 

“ Impossible, sir, that the ^ Duke of Arcanum' had any con- 
nection with that affair exclaimed Marcellus Dunne impa- 
tiently. 

Jarmyn did not wish to press his suggestions to the annoyance 
of Mr. Dunne, hence he made no further comments in that 
direction. He had his own ideas, though they were somewhat 
vague, but he attached some importance to them nevertheless. 
He remembered a similar uneasiness which he had discerned in 
Edgcumb at the hospital, while relating to him his mythical 
dream. He was generally suspicious of any undue agitation, as 
it was invariably an evidence of guilt. 

“ You told the ^ Duke of Arcanum^ the story of your misfort 
unes and he seemed agitated, you say 

^^Yes; but his agitation sprung from a purely natural and 
uncontrollable cause. He told me at the time that his nature 
was so sympathetic that he could not hear such recitals without 
being visibly affected by them. He was so kind to me, sir, I 
really felt sorry, after he had gone, that I caused him so much 
unnecessary pain. 

Jarmyn smiled inwardly at the cripple’s remark. He thought 
that a man must be very tender-hearted, indeed, to manifest 
such emotions over the story of one in whom he had no interest 
whatever. 

After you had given him all the details of the affair what 
did he say to you?” 


m 


THE DUKE OF ABC AHUM. 


“ He asked my address that he might he able to find some- 
thing for me to do. 

Then you gave him the address, did joiiV^ 

“ 1 did; and the result was exceedingly fortunate for me. By 
the way/^ continued Marcellus Dunne; whose eyes suddenly 
brightened with interest, “ there was a very remarkable coinci- 
dence connected with this princely gift. 

“Ah!^^ said Jarmyn; somewhat surprised at the sudden 
animation of the cripple^s countenance. “ I should like to hoar 
it. 

“ Well, it was really nothing much after all; merely a strange 
coincidence, you know. I have never mentioned it before, but 
I have no objection to telling it to you. 

Jarmyn nodded interestedly and Marcellus Dunne com- 
menced : You see, at the time I made that fearful leap I had 

a tin box in my hand and it contained my whole fortune — all I 
had, sir — fifty thousand dollars; I never saw anything more of 
it, but when the ^ Duke of Arcanum^ sent for me to come here I 
found upon that table an exact counterpart of the box I lost 
containing the money. Was it not a remarkable coincidence?” 

“Very strange, indeed, Mr. Dunne,” Jarmyn replied, con- 
gratulating himself upon the points which he was obtaining 
without any apparent eflbrt of his owm. 

“ I suppose it can be accounted for by my telling him of the 
circumstances of my leap with the box and having mentioned 
the amount it contained ; but what a strange coincidence that 
he should have given me one exactly like it without having seen 
the one which I lost. ” 

“ It is very strange, Mr. Dunne. Many strange things occur 
in this world which do not seem so strange when they are laid 
bare by the facts.” 

“ Oh, bosh!” exclaimed Marcellus Dunne. “ What^s the use 
of robbing an incident like that of the charm that gives it senti- 
ment or interest. You are altogether too cynical, sir. I know 
what that remark implies, but you are too suspicious. The 
^ Duke of Arcanum ^ had nothing to do with that affair, and 
even if he had, sir, what a noble restitution he has made I flow 
many men are there who would have done the same thing and 
made as little fuss about it?” 


A FBESTI TRAIL. 


397 


Jarmyn felt a little abashed at these strictures. Of course he 
had his own answer to the argument, but as it was not intended 
for human ears he remained silent. He left with the impression 
that he had struck a vein which would lead to rich develop- 
ments. As was his habit so to do, he analyzed the cripple^s 
story in all its details; he sifted the incongruities into one part 
and the compromising incidents into another, and weighed 
them carefully in his mind to find a balance in favor of one or 
the other. That balance was really an undecided opinion, but 
with leanings toward the new theory that Stanley Edgcimh 
might possibly he Jasper Morton, or vice versa. 

Jarmyn was gifted with an indefatigable perseverance. 
When once he fixed his mind upon a subject he never relin 
quished his efforts until he had reduced it to a minimum of 
fiicts, and had denuded it of all mystery. It may be supposed 
that his interview with Marcellus Dunne awakened a sufficient 
interest to cause him to apply the same dogged determination 
to this case. It did, and with what result will be seen in the 
few remaining pages. He had never seen Jasper Morton but 
casually. He did not know him by sight. He desired an oppor- 
tunity to study his face and manners without the risk of being 
recognized ; but this must be done incognito, for he was con- 
vinced that Edgcumb would recognize him even at a glance, 
and if Morton should prove to be Edgcumb he might take alarm 
and again slip away from him. To accomplish this he disguised 
himself as a beggar and took a position one morning in front of 
Morton’s office with many others, who, apparently destitute, 
were awaiting the “ Duke’s ” arrival. As Morton stepped from 
his carriage Jarmyn crowded forward and solicited alms ; but 
instead of the weak, watery eyes of a half-starved beggar, the 
cold, piercing eyes of the detective scanned the philanthropic 
face, and that so interestedly that he was almost unconscious of 
the fact that he had received a coin as the reward of his mendi- 
cancy. 

The experiment not having been wholly satisfactory Jarmyn 
waited a few days and tried again, but somehow he failed to get 
a fair view of Morton’s face, as the latter managed to keep it 
turned away from him. The man seemed to make his distribu- 
tions with lightning rapidity and was away and up the steps 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


no8 


before be bad time for calculation upon his identity. However, 
be bad observed that there were unmistakable signs of bis hav- 
ing bad the small-pox. Another queer coincidence,^’ be 
exclaimed to himself as be thought of Marcellus Dunne’s favorite 
expression. He continued for some time to take bis place among 
the beggars at intervals of a few days. Sometimes the “ Duke 
of Arcanum” came and sometimes not. Whether he had some 
Other means of reaching his office he never knew; but when 
he did see him it was invariably an unsatisfactory glimpse, usually 
at his back, so that in the end he was in nearly as much doubt 
as when he began. His suspicions increased perhaps a trifle, but 
he was still far from being able to say with perfect confidence 
that Jasper Morton was the long-looked-for refugee from justice. 
He knew that Morton was too powerful in wealth and influence 
to permit of a single thought of placing him under arrest unless 
he had indisputable evidence of his identity. The people would 
strenuously defend the man whose deeds were the admiration of 
mankind, and it would prove a woeful day for him if he should 
fail to establish his case. There was but one alternative and he 
must avail himself of it. He could watch, because he had eyes ; 
he could wait, because he had plenty of patience ; and he could 
keep a surveillance upon Jasper Morton’s palatial residence as 
well as the Edgcumbs’ unpretentious cottage. It mattered not 
to him whether it was among patricians or plebeians, the aris- 
tocracy or the proletary, so that in the end he secured his man. 

Jarmyn had many moments of meditation upon the subject, 
and also many misgivings. The bugbear to his theories was 
the exalted position of the man. He could not understand how 
a ragged criminal, without money or friends, could in less than 
two years attain such vast wealth and influence, for it had been 
said upon his first appearance that he was a man whose resources 
were unlimited. He had not taken into account the probability 
of exaggeration, or the fact that every tongue which repeats a 
wonderful tale usually adds hyperbole to hyperbole. He had 
gathered the story after all these embellishments had been 
added, and the sobriquet which had been given him in a spirit 
of travesty had been passed from mouth to mouth and had 
become an accepted title with the people at large. He accepted 
it also and was not the first to be undeceived. The consequence 


A FRESH TRAIL. 


399 


of all these extravagant ideas, this mystery and glamor concern- 
ing Morton, was to leave such impressions on his mind that 
when the moment came which called for his usual terse and 
vigorous methods of reasoning he was confronted by a phantom 
of potentiality, and his indecision became complete. 

Jarmyn remained in this state of uncertainty for several 
months, watching for something to transpire which would decide 
liis action one way or another. Frequently he would be upon 
the point of banishing Morton from his thoughts, when his 
natural instinct of suspicion would urge him on. 

Nothing new occurred until Mrs. Tiernan’s death. Jarmyn 
knew of it within an hour after the crape had been displayed 
upon the door-knob ; and in fiendish joy he exclaimed : “ Ah, 

my time has come at last ; he will not escape me now.^^ Then 
he considered the proper course to pursue ; whether to watch 
the cottage or look after the movements of the “ Duke of 
Arcanum and this was his method of reasoning: “ There is 
no certainty that Jasper Morton is Stanley Edgeumb, but there 
is a certainty that Stanley Edgeumb is Stanley Edgeumb; that if 
death has entered that cottage he will enter it also — and so 
shall I. ThaFs all there is to the matter; very simple, and very 
reasonable. 

Jarmyn watched the cottage. He saw the carriage drive past 
in which Morton was seated, and had the latter acted upon that 
first impulse to spring out and rush into the house, he would 
have fallen into his hands without a doubt. The surveillance 
was not abated until Mrs. Tiernaifis remains were carried away 
in the hearse. The little cortege which slowly wended its way 
to the cemetery was augmented by a strange mourner when 
only a short distance from the house. It was Jarmyn; but his 
mission was fruitless. A day or so after the funeral he was 
more chagrined than ever upon hearing the story of the myste- 
rious wreath. Then turning his back upon the neighborhood, 
in utter disgust, he expressed his feelings tersely, thus : “ Well, I 
reckon Jarmyn also slept at his post, or how else could a 
measly murderer get in with a big wreath without being seen? 

Each false step made in his efforts to capture the fugitive 
caused a severe sting to Jarmyn’s pride. He was too obdurate 
to let the case go and acknowledge his defeat. He felt as might 


400 


THE DUKE OF ABCANVM. 


a baugry dog with a tempting morsel before its eyes, but not 
Avitbiu its reach ; which leaps and snaps its teeth in a frantic, 
but futile endeavor to obtain it. It whetted his appetite, how- 
ever, and determined him to remain until it fell within his grasp. 
Although he labored in every direction where there was a possi- 
bility of reward, yet he discovered no clue. 

It was the morning of election. 41ie papers were damp from 
the press with an account of the “ Duke of Arcanum’s ” address 
the night before. While reading Morton’s speech, and the 
account of the demonstration which followed, Jarmyn again 
fancied that he saw the cunning hand of Stanley Edgeumb. 
“ Why does he so boldly advocate the election of IIiim[)hrey 
Davids ? ” he mused. Ah, I see, a pardon from the Governoi’, 
chf It is really beginning to take shape.” Then running his 
eye through the lines again he stopped short as it rested upon 
some sentence which he had overlooked. “ Yes, yes; this great 
'Duke of Arcanum ’ tells these horuy-fisted sons of toil to vote 
for Ilumphrey Davids because he knows that he has voluntarily 
defended people in the courts who ivere charged with crime and 
had not the means to employ counsel. Yes, he knows all about 
it; I’ll be blessed if he don’t.” Continuing to read he saw how 
the masses had been stirred by Morton’s appearance before 
them, and how they had drawn him triumphantly through the 
streets; then he stood aghast at the very thought of attempting 
his arrest. “ And suppose I should fail to establish his identity, 
what vvmuld happen to Jarmyn ? ” The reflection was evidently 
not a pleasant one. 

It may seem to the reader that Jarmyn had become ex- 
tremely vacillating in his opinions and purposes. Such was 
not the case, however. He was honest to himself and honest to 
the law, but he was prudent in calculating the results before 
taking an important step. This was a matter which he knew 
would involve him in utter ruin if he should fail. It was not 
fear inspired by the grandeur of Morton’s surroundings which 
caused him to hesitate, for he well knew that to humble such a 
man before the law would be a greater achievement than to 
drag one from the depths of poverty and obscurity — one in 
whom the world had no interest. lUit it was the uncertainty of 
his ability to adduce sulflcient proof, and he felt that he could 


A FBESH TBAIL, 401 

not take an action so important until the time came when he 
should he relieved of all doubt. 

Immediately following the election Jarmyn decided to establish 
a closer relationship with Jasper Morton than had hitherto 
existed. Acting upon a clever idea he proceeded to Morton^s 
stable, and under pretense of being a veterinary surgeon and an 
excellent judge of horseflesh he succeeded in making a pro- 
found impression upon the coachman and hostler. An immediate 
friendship w^as the result. After a sufficient acquaintance with 
these worthies had warranted a certain fitness to his conduct, ho 
plied them with questions concerning the magnificent equippage 
and iis origin. Then he led them skillfully into conversations 
regarding the Duke of Arcanum, hoping to gain some secret 
bit of gossip which would bo of service in his investigations ; 
but he found that they knew as little of their master as he did 
himself. However, their intimacy constantly increased. Finally 
he saw that it would be necessary to obtain some foothold about 
the premises in order to accomplish anything. A thought 
occurred to him, but it was not an honorable one. Thus far he 
had been honorable in the pursuit of his calling; but now, alas, 
ho seemed to be seized by a strong temptation to step aside from 
his accustomed paths for once. A consuming desire to capture 
the fugitive blinded him to even a sense of honor — that wffiich 
had been the pride of his life. He saw an opportunity where a 
point might be gained by such a sacrifice, and he yielded. He 
had observed that in driving up to the mansion the coachman 
had properly come to a stop with the team headed in the 
direction to be taken, and that upon reaching the office the 
oi^posite side of the vehicle w^as invariably next to the curb; or 
in other words, Morton entered his carriage by one door and 
alighted by another. A subterfuge was suggested, and he 
w^atched for an opportunity to execute his cunning design. 
Finally, being in the stable one morning when the horses were 
being groomed, he saw that his time had come. When they were 
ready for the harness he adroitly assisted the hostler. The latter 
had always taken great pi-ide in seeing that the animals were 
sleek, and without a blemish upon their beautiful creamy coats; 
nor did he ever grow tired in caring for them. After they were 
harnessed, and while the hostler had gone for the cushions and 

26 


402 


TBE BtJKB OF AMCABVM. 


the coacliiiiaii was dustiDg his livery, Jarmyn seized some manure 
and smeared the belly of the off horse in such a way that it 
could not be observed by the coachman from the seat. A 
moment later the latter appeared, jumped upon the box and 
seized the reins, while Jarmyn sprang to the door and rolled it 
back on its wheels to prevent the hostler from discovering the 
trick, as he well knew would be the case if he stood by the door 
when the team pranced out of the stable. 

That morning, as Morton stepped from his carriage upon the 
walk before his office, he turned, as was usually his custom, to 
cast an admiring glance at his horses, for he was extremely 
proud of them. What was his mortification upon seeing one of 
them smeared in such a filthy manner ! He was indignant at 
such carelessness on the part of his hostler in permitting them 
to go out in such a state of neglect. The coachman was con- 
fused and speechless. He had never seen the “ Duke of Arca- 
num'^ so angry before. The result was that Morton ordered the 
hostler^s peremptory dismissal, directing the coachman to secure 
the services of another without delay. The latter thought of 
Jarmyn. The detective appearing at the opportune moment, 
and being willing to take the place, was engaged. He gave the 
coachman his true name, for he had an object in doing so. 

The following day the coachman told Jarmyn that he would 
go in and present the new hostler^s name to his master, to be 
entered in his book, as he kept a regular account with each of 
his employes. Upon his return Jarmyn asked : Wliat did 

the ^ Duke of Arcanum ^ say when you told him my namc?^^ 

“ He bit his lip and acted mighty queer for a minute. He 
looked straight out of the window without blinking his eye or 
speaking a word for several minutes. Finally he turned to me 
and said, rather sternly : ^ Tell this man you have liired— Jar- 

myn you call him — that I wish to see him a few moments in my 
library here.^ So I suppose you must go in and see him. 

Jarmyn was nonplused at this announcement. He realized 
that a critical moment had arrived. He had expected that 
wlien the coachman should mention his name Morton would 
manifest some uneasiness and find some objection to liis employ- 
ment. This would have been evidence of a satisfactory nature ; 
but to be sent for so abruptly was something he had not calcu- 


A FBESII TRAIL. 


403 


lated upon. He had experienced the keenest satisfaction as he 
heard the first sentence of the coachraan^s response, but when 
he had finished he lowered his eyes to the floor with evident 
hesitation in his manner. 

“ Well, ain^t you goin^?^^ asked the coachman. You ain’t 
afraid to meet the ^ Duke,’ are you? He’s a lion, though, I tell 
you. I’ve got a good deal of respect for him.” 

This remark seemed to decide Jarmyn at once. He knew 
there was no use of evading the matter. He would go in and see 
Jasper Morton, and if he felt certain that he was Edgcumb he 
would show him his star and place him under arrest. He 
replied: “ Certainly I am going in. I am not at all afraid of 
the ^ Duke of Arcanum.’ If he don’t want me he isn’t obliged to 
hire me. ” 

“But I have already hired you, ” returned the coachman, 
with a somewhat pompous air. “ The ^Duke’ only wants to 
talk to you about his nags.” 

“ Very well, I will go in and see what he wants, ” said Jarmyn, 
smiling at the coachman’s self-importance. 

Upon entering the house Jarmyn was shown to the door of 
Morton’s library. It stood partly open. Removing his hat and 
stepping inside he saw a man sitting by a table at the farther 
end of the room, who seemed to be intently occupied with the 
examination of ‘Some papers which lay in well-arranged piles 
before him. He advanced to a point near the table but Morton 
took no notice of him. He had such a cold, austere expression, 
that Jarmyn’s first impression of him was that he was a veri- 
table icicle. Morton did not look up, but coolly continued with 
the examination of his papers. Jarmyn was quite sure that he 
was aware of his presence, and he felt not a little embarrass- 
ment at being compelled to await his pleasure ; but he improved 
his opportunity by studying his features. It was now over four 
years since his confinement with Edgcumb in the hospital. At 
that time his companion’s face was disfigured with ugly 
pustules. He had no beard then, save the stubble which had 
grown during his illness, but through which the ravages of the 
disease were plainly visible. The man was then lean, emaciated, 
dirty and poorly clad. His manner was nervous, and he was 
apparently in a constant state of apprehension. Since then he 


404 


TUE^BrXE OF AECANUM, 


had carried such an image of the fugitive in his mind, and that 
image did not correspond with the man before him, upon whom 
his suspicions had recently rested. This one was well attired, 
his figure inclined to stoutness ; he had a full beard, and there was 
no manifestation of nervousness in his demeanor, for he seemed to 
proceed with his work with as little concern as if such a person 
as Jarmyn had never existed. 

Jarmyn began to feel disconcerted. He questioned: If this 
man is Edgcumb, how can he be so calm and undisturbed in the 
presence of one whom he has just reason to fear?^^ But the 
question seemed to be unanswerable. He thought, perhaps, 
when Morton spoke to him, that he might recognize his voice or 
manner. Several minutes passed but still Morton ignored his 
presence. Then he coughed slightly once or twice, but that 
failed to attract his attention. It was evident that Morton was 
not in the habit of permitting himself to be disturbed. Growing 
impatient Jarmyn spoke, saying: Mr. Morton, I suppose 

but the austere millionaire would brook no interference; he 
would neither deign to look up nor speak, which caused Jarmyn 
to have a very humble opinion of himself. 

Soon, however, Morton leaned back in his chair, raised his eyes 
deliberately and turned them coldly upon Jarmyn in an inquiring 
way. Jarmyn met the gaze without flinching, and for an instant 
the two men looked steadily into each other^s eyes. The look 
on Morton^s part was such as he would have given to an utter 
stranger, and to a man far beneath him in social position. 
There was not the faintest trace in his features of any recogni- 
tion of the man before him, nor of nervousness or agitation, but he 
had a stern and dignified bearing w^hich conveyed unmistakably 
to Jarmyn the idea, as if ho had expressed it in so many words, 
“ I am Jasper Morton, rich, powerful and influential ; and you 
are Jarmyn, simply my hostler.^' 

The detective was the first to speak. Giving a slight nod of 
his head, he said: I am Jarmyn, sir.^^ 

Morton, without taking his eyes from him, or returning the 
nod, and without moving a muscle of his countenance at the 
mention of the name, asked frigidly: “ Are you the man I just 
sent for, who wished to take the hostler^s place in the stable 

Jarmyn acknowledged that he was. 

















A PUESB TRAIL. 


405 


Well, sir,^^ Morton continued, I wish to give you a word 
of advice about the care of my horses before you enter upon your 
duties. My hostler has been very negligent of late. Yesterday 
I was mortified beyond endurance to see one of them driven 
upon the streets in a most filthy condition. There is nothing I 
have in the world, sir, that I am as proud of as that pair of 
creams, and I wish them to be spotless when they appear upon 
the street. I cannot overlook any negligence in caring for them. 
Do you understand? 

Morton had become from practice an adept in disguising his 
voice. He spoke to Jarmyn in a deep tone somewhat varied 
from its usual intonation, but not sufficiently to make it obvious 
that he was endeavoring to practice deception. His manner 
was severe and earnest. Jarmyn was completely bewildered. 
Morton’s self-composure and hauteur, the tone of his voice and 
his manner of speaking, were so different from what he remem- 
bered of Edgcumb that he really began to think he had made a 
mistake. He did not deem it possible that the man he had so 
intimately known in the hospital was capable of displaying such 
sang-froid in his i)resence. Moreover, he was unable to dis- 
cover any resemblance in voice or manner to his quondam com- 
panion, but he did not take into consideration that there was a 
vast difference in the circumstances surrounding one and the 
other; and circumstances mold or change the characters of men. 

To the question which Morton put at the end of his remarks, 
Jarmyn responded by bowing his head and saying: “ I do.” 

“ I am informed that you have an excellent knowledge of 
horses ; that you are a veterinary surgeon, in fact. If such is 
the case, and you give proper care to my animals, I am willing 
to pay you well for it — double or treble what my late hostler 
received.” 

I am pretty well acquainted with the animal. I know all of 
its instincts, too. It has a wonderful attachment for the place 
where it is well cared for,” replied Jarmyn. 

“ Do you think so ?” asked Morton. 

“ I know it, sir,” and then critically surveying Morton, he 
continued: ^Mf I should see, for instance; a horse drawing a 
load of potatoes, wandering along the street without an owner, 
and I should unhitch him and turn him loose, the animal’s 


406 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


instinct would tell him to go home. It would be an easy mat- 
ter to follow and ascertain its owner. It is a valuable thing to 
know these traits, or instincts of the beast. 

Although Jarmyn searched his face for a trace of uneasiness he 
was not rewarded, for Morton regarded him steadily without 
betraying in the least a suspicion of what he had reference to. 

Then I hope that you will apply your knowledge and skill to 
your best advantage in caring for my horses. The man who 
serves me well, sir, will never be forgotten. What did I under- 
stand your name to be ? 

“ Jarmyn, the detective answered. 

Jarmyn,’^ Morton repeated; then turning to the table he 
dipped his pen in the ink and asked : How do you spell itV^ 

J-a-r-m-y-n.^^ 

“ What are your initials, sir 

‘‘ E. — E. Jarmyn, was the reply. 

Morton entered it upon his book, whereupon Jarmyn observed 
that he wrote with his left hand, and apparently with perfect 
ease. This was not at all assuring, as he remembered that Edg- 
CLimb was not ambidexterous. 

‘^Very well,^^ said Morton, coolly dismissing the hostler 
with a wave of his hand, “ that will do ; nothing further, sir, 
and he turned to the papers upon which he had been engaged 
on Jarmyn’s entrance. The latter stood for a moment with his 
eyes fixed upon Morton, sorely perplexed and struggling how to 
decide; then turning upon his heel, he left the room and returned 
to the stable. 

It would be difficult to describe all the thoughts which crowded 
into Jarmyn’s brain during that day. To say the least, he was 
disappointed. He could not reconcile Edgcumb with the person 
of the proud and aristocratic “ Duke of Arcanum,” yet when he 
came to think of all the incidents which pointed so strongly 
toward him, he did not feel like giving up the case. He deter- 
mined to remain awhile in Morton’s employ, hoping for further 
opportunities to study the man, or, perhaps, to pry tlirough the 
house and see if he could not discover something there which 
would help to decide the matter. He performed his duties in the 
stable faithfully, and every morning the creams pranced through 
the streets with coats of spotless beauty. The new hostler gave 
entire satisfaction. 


CHAPTER XXYIII. 

CLEARING THE MYSTERY. 

Incidents seemed to follow each other in rapid succession. 
The morning after his talk with Jarmyn, Morton was in his 
office at the usual hour. He was in good spirits, for the encoun- 
ter with the detective had resulted much more favorably than 
he had hoped for when he had sent for him. 

The closing days of the year were at hand, and the great 
speculator was reefing his sails and preparing to cast anchor. 
It had been a great year for him. He had extended his opera- 
tions into the stock market with marvelous success. He had 
made investments in mining property which had turned out to 
be fabulously rich, and now he found himself with many 
millions. He had decided to withdraw from speculation entirely, 
and to devote the remainder of his life to the cause of philan- 
thropy among the poor and unfortunate. He had a princely 
fortune at his command, and he was resolved upon using it 
where it would do the most good. He did not forget his own 
experience when he was poor and lowly. The possession of vast 
wealth had not diverted his mind from those conditions which 
are ever present in the world. He was wholly unselfish, and 
wherever poverty or distress knowingly existed he was anxious 
to relieve. 

Morton had been at work several hours dictating correspond- 
ence with some of the numerous agencies which he had estab- 
lished throughout the world. Many drafts of various denomina- 
tions lay upon his desk. His office-boy, a bright young fellow 
of sixteen, sat near him at the desk, addressing envelopes under 
his supervision. The young man was a beautiful penman, and 
Morton had frequently remarked a similarity to his own chirog- 
raphy when employed under Mancel Tewkes. Since the day 
when he stepped from the Siberia upon the shores of England, 
be had but twice seen what his right hand could do with a pen, 

407 


408 


THE DUKE OE AECANUM. 


He had cultivated his left in making use of this art. It was one 
of his persistent and studied efibrts to disguise his personality • 
and so severe had been the discipline that he had never permit- 
ted himself to make a character or a figure with his right hand, 
lest he should some time do so inadvertently and betray himself. 
He remembered how well his penmanship had once excited the 
admiration of his confreres, and he was quick to note any sim- 
ilarity thereto. Morton had admired Robert Earks penman- 
ship since the latter had first entered his service, but he had 
never made any remarks concerning it to Robert or to others. 

While both were thus engaged Morton occasionally glanced 
approvingly at the rows of neatly superscribed envelopes on the 
desk. Finally turning to him he asked : 

“ Where did you learn to write so beautifully, Robert ? 

Robert looked up in astonishment upon receiving this compli- 
ment from his employer, and then replied : All I can do, sir, I 
have learned myself without teaching. 

“ Have you never received any instruction in penmanships^ 

No, sir, none at all. 

It seems to be natural to you, then. Was your father a fine 
penman 

No, sir ; I am ashamed to say that he could scarcely write 
his own name.” 

Have you always had a liking for it since you can remem- 
ber? ” 

“ Not exactly; it came to me suddenly about five years ago.” 

How so ?” 

“ I was a boot-black then, sir,” said the boy, with a degree of 
humiliation in his manner, “ and one night I found a paper — a 
telegraph message. I saw a newspaper fall from a man’s pocket 
as he stepped aboard a car. I picked it up and ran after the car, 
holding it up and asking for its owner; but no one paid any 
attention to me, so I put it in my pocket. I found the message 
folded inside the newspaper. I never saw such beautiful writing 
before as that message contained ; and it made me wish to bo a 
fine penman too. ” 

“ What were the contents of the message — I mean, how did 
it read?^^ inquired Morton, looking at him with unusual 
interest. 


CLEAEING THE MYSTEEY. 409 

Oh, it had a queer lot of words; I couldn’t make out their 
meaning. ” 

“ To whom was it addressed? ” 

To Grummond and Company. ” 

Do you remember the signature ? ” 

YeS; sir; it was Cornell and Company.” 

What became of it, Kobert? Did you give it up to the firm 
to whom it was addressed ? ” 

“ No, sir; I was going to tell you that I thought the man who 
lost it knew its contents. I did not know anything about 
Grummond and Company, or what the paper meant. I admired 
the writing and I wanted to keep it as a copy to practice from. 
Every night for a month I practiced with a pen at writing, hav- 
ing the paper before me for a copy. I was getting along nicely, 
sir, when I lost the paper. I never had anything make me feel 
so bad as that ; but I could always see the paper before me, and 
I kept on practicing every chance I had. ” 

How did you lose it, Kobert? ” inquired Morton. 

I never knew exactly, ” replied the boy, “ but I have an idea 
how I lost it.” 

And how was that, my lad? ” 

You see I carried the paper around in my pocket because it 
was so precious. Well, one night a man came to me and asked 
me to go with him to deliver a note. When we came to the 
house he kept out of sight after telling me where to go and what 
to do and say. He gave me an envelope which I was to hand to 
whoever came to the door ; then I was to hurry away and return 
to him. I put the envelope in my pocket and felt the message 
there as I did so. I rapped at the door and a lady opened it. 
I took the envelope from my pocket, gave it to her, and darted 
down the steps. I found the man waiting for me, and after 
going a few blocks he gave me some money and we separated. 
Then I discovered that I had lost the paper. I knew at once 
that I had pulled it out with the envelope. I then returned to 
the house and got down on my hands and knees and felt for it, 
but it was gone, and I never saw it afterward. 

Kobert Earl thought that his employer evinced unusual inter- 
est in the incident which he had just related. He was surprised, 
for he had never seen him so condescendiug before, or so inter- 


410 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


ested in one of his employes. But to Morton this was an 
unlooked-for piece of good fortune. He had never hoped to find 
the hoy who had dropped the message upon the steps. He had 
never been able to fathom the mystery of the disappearance of 
that message from the hook upon which he had placed it after 
taking it from the wire^ aud its reappearance upon his door- 
step ; but it was all clear to him now. Coulter had taken it from 
the hook and placed it in the folds of his paper, and it had been 
jolted from his pocket in stepping on the car. He remembered 
of Kye having told him that he had observed Coulter in some 
such an act while he was away from his instrument for a few 
minutes. 

“ Did you ever see the man afterward who sent you to the 
door with the envelope Morton suddenly asked. 

“ Yes, sir ; many times, replied the lad. 

“ Did you ascertain his name 

“ I did, sir ; his name is Coulter; he was then with the tele- 
graph company. 

You are certain of that, are you?^^ 

Oh, yes; I never forget a face, and then I took much pains 
to find out his name. 

Why were you so anxious to ascertain his name 

Because for a long time he was the best customer I had. He 
always came to me to have his boots shined, and sometimes he 
would throw down a quarter and go off without any change. 
He dressed well, too. 

“ Did he know that you were the boy who delivered the envel- 
ope for him 

Yes; certainly he knew it.^^ 

Did he say anything to you about it afterward 

Only once, about a year after I delivered the note. He 
said to me one day while I was putting a shine on his boots : 
^ Bob, I don’t want you to ever mention anything about that 
note you delivered for me one night. I will make it all riglit 
with you,’ and I don’t believe I’ve ever thought of it since until 
now. ” 

Do you think you would know him now, should you see 

him 

<< I am very sure of it^ sir,” 


CLEABina THE MYSTEBY. 411 

And you could swear that he is the same man who sent you 
to the house 

Eohert Earl looked up in surprise at this question, hut the 
face of his employer was so serene and natural that he felt 
assured that it meant nothing after all. 

“Why certainly! of course I could swear to his being the 
same man.^^ 

“ Coulter?^’ 

“ Yes, sir. Coulter. 

This was sufficient for Morton. It was the last link in the 
chain of evidence which for years he had been trying to forge 
around the murderers of Mancel Tewkes. He said nothing 
more for several minutes. 

Robert Earl went on with his work, meditating what it all 
meant, and why Morton had asked him if he could sivear that 
Coulter was the man. Glancing furtively at his employer, he 
saw that he had suddenly ceased his work and appeared to be 
in an unusual state of reflection. 

Presently Morton said : “ Robert, I believe you told me once 
that your father and mother were both dead.^’ 

“ Yes, sir; they have been dead for several years. 

“ With whom do you live now 
“ Hive with people who were friends of our family.’^ 

“ Would you like to rise in the world and become rich? 

Robert raised his eyes to Morton^s. They were beaming with 
pleasurable anticipations, for the lad knew" what the “ Duke of 
Arcanum had done for others, and that there was some hidden 
meaning in the question. 

“ Yes, sir; I should like to very much. It is the one thing I 
hope for and mean to work for.^^ 

“I like your spirit, Robert; but there are many qualities 
which a young man must possess who would make his mark in 
life. Honesty, sobriety, industry and a strict fidelity to trust. 
Do you think you possess them all 
Robert looked courageously at his employer and replied : “I 
hope I do, sir ; I should be very sorry if I didift.” 

“ Well, Robert, I mean to try you, and if I find the right sort 
of material in you your life will be a success. You may prepare 
to drive home with me this evening. If you wish, you can send 


412 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


word to your friends, but for the present I wish to have you 
with me all the time. You will make your home at my 
house. 

Kohert was overjoyed at this announcement, and Morton felt, 
from the look of thankfulness in his face, that he had not made 
a bad bargain. He felt grateful enough for the discovery of this 
evidence to do almost anything for the youth. He appreciated 
the necessity of keeping him aloof from others until the time 
came to make use of him. He could not tell him the circum- 
stances which made it necessary for him to do so, but be could 
not afford to take any chances of having the conversation 
between them repeated. 

Toward evening Morton entered his carriage accompanied by 
Eobert, who felt proud of his position ; but from that moment 
the youth was practically a prisoner. Morton kept him in 
charge, taking him back and forth between his residence and 
office in his carriage. At the house he found plenty of diver- 
sion, but Morton was careful to keep him away from the stable, 
lest Jarmyn should embarrass his plans by asking him too 
many questions. He took especial care to interest him, con- 
ducting him through the art-gallery, explaining the pictures to 
him, giving him the use of the library, and directing a course of 
reading for him. He also conducted him to the conservatory 
and gave him instructions in botany. Thus his mind was kept 
so occupied with novelties that he did not feel, or even notice 
the restraint under which he was placed. 

The new year came in and the Governor-elect was inaugu- 
rated. Morton and Eobert went to the State capitol to witness 
the ceremony. Governor Davids felt honored by the presence 
of the man who had raised him to that exalted position. At the 
reception which followed Madam Davids looked charming and 
happy. She felt equally honored by the presence of the Duke 
of Arcanum” upon the occasion of her husband^s induction into 
office. 

Upon leaving the capitol Morton said to the Governor: I 

should like to see your Honor at my residence in Chicago at 
your earliest convenience. I have a matter of some importance 
to communicate. ” 


CLEABING THE MYSTEBY. 413 

The Governor replied that he would come as soon as the first 
pressure of his new duties was over. 

“ You may come with a light heart, sir, for I have no political 
favors to ask or public measures to discuss, said Morton. 

Governor Davids laughed heartily and answered : “ Ah, sir, 
that would not trouble me if you did. It would only result in 
public good.^^ 

Then Morton took leave of the Governor with many well wishes 
for his prosperity. 

In a few days Morton received a note from the Governor stating 
that he was in the- city and would call upon him in the evening. 
The coachman, being instructed to go at a certain hour and 
bring the Governor in his carriage, told Jarmyn that they were 
expecting a distinguished visitor that evening, no less a person 
than Governor Davids. Jarmyn felt a keen desire to hear what 
might pass between Morton and his guest, for it might reveal 
facts that would settle his mind at once whether or not Stanley 
Edgcumb and Jasper Morton were one and the same individual. 
This he determined to do at any risk. He did not care for the 
position of hostler, hence he had nothing to lose and everything 
to gain. 

As soon as the team had started in quest of the Governor, 
Jarmyn took a paper from his pocket and examined it closely by 
the stable lamp. It was a plan of the first floor of the mansion, 
which he had made, partly from observation when Morton had 
sent for him, and partly from ideas he had gained from the serv- 
ants. This he studied for a short time to familiarize himself 
with the location of the various rooms and doors. Then folding 
it carefully he returned it to his pocket, being none too soon, for 
a servant appeared to summon him to the evening repast. The 
meals were all served to the help alike in the servants^ dining- 
room, next to the cuisine. Jarmyn entered and seated himself at 
the table. The servants were all present, chatting with one 
another about the approaching visit of the Governor. It was a 
most opportune time when they were all thus gathered together, 
and there was no time to be lost; so, partaking of a few morsels 
of food and a cup of tea, he left the loquacious coterie and 
passed into the cuisine^ closing the door after him. There was 
no fear of encountering any one unless it should be Morton him- 


414 


THE DUKE OE ABCANmi. 


self, or the young man of whom he had heard the coachman 
speak. He must reach the reception-room before the guest 
arrived, and to do so it would be necessary to pass by the library 
door or through the large dining-hall, and thence into the con- 
servatory, through the art-room and into the large hall from 
which the reception-room opened. He chose the latter altera- 
tive in order to avoid encountering the austere master of the 
house. Noiselessly he passed through the dining-hall and 
approached the door of the conservatory. Then, among the 
odorous plants and flowers, he made his way to the door opening 
into the art-room. It yielded readily, a servant having but a 
moment before unlocked it and lighted the jets, which cast a 
mellow, shaded light upon the beautiful pictures. Jarmyn was 
amazed upon beholding the interior of this room. He could not 
resist the temptation to linger a moment and look around. He 
had heard of the Raphael which Morton had purchased at a fab- 
ulous price, and his eye sought for it along the walls. There 
was one picture so suspended that it appeared conspicuous from 
its surroundings. It seemed to be so arranged that it became 
the center of the group in which it was placed. As he approached 
it and raised his eyes they were transfixed with amazement. A 
light appeared to break suddenly upon his mind. The cloud of 
indecision and uncertainty which had so long cast its shadowy 
film over it, now seemed to lift and melt away. A smile lighted 
his face which speedily turned to a broad grin ; then a chuckle 
and a shrug of the shoulders followed. The gray eyes of the 
detective never before glittered as diabolically as then, for he 
had recognized Imogen in the Raphael upon the wall. 

Then, that’s his Raphael, is itf ” he soliloquized. It seems 
Raphaels are painted to order, nowadays ; and further, it seems 
to be the fashion to have one’s wife sit for the picture. Great 
guns ! what a fraud this ^ Duke of Arcanum ’ is ! He’s the 
man I’m after; I don’t want any better evidence of it than 
this.” 

Jarmyn was on the point of abandoning his project and 
returning to the stable. He had seen enough to assure him ; 
but thinking that he might hear something that would also 
compromise Humphrey Davids, he resolved to proceed and learn 
all he could. Accordingly he left the ar:-gallery and stealthily 


CLEABina THE MYSTERY. 


416 


crept into the hall. There was no one to be seen. He listened 
but could hear no sound of voices. Then approaching the 
drawing-room door, he peered in. The room was deserted, but 
the lights were burning brightly. He was not a moment too 
soon, for scarcely had he taken his position behind one of the 
folding-doors which opened from the hall, than the servants 
began to scatter through the house to their respective duties. 
The housekeeper came to make a brief inspection. She moved 
a chair here and there and gently pushed back the folding- 
doors, but Jarmyn was not discovered. Having performed her 
round of duties she retired. 

Presently Morton and Robert Earl entered from the library. 
The latter settled into a chair near the door behind which 
Jarmyn was secreted, while Morton walked leisurely up and 
down the floor. 

“Robert,^’ said he, “when the Governor arrives you may 
retire to the library. I wish to talk with him on private mat- 
ters. You may wait until he has become seated, however, and 
we have passed the comjpliments of the evening. You must be 
careful to excuse yourself in a dignified and polite manner, for 
I wish, above all things, to have you cultivate a courteous and 
polite bearing toward all, no matter in what station of life you 
may find them. The instincts of a true gentleman, Robert, 
always prompt such acts as these. Your associations thus far in 
life have been with a class that are prone to vulgarity — to whom 
politeness is, in a measure, unknown. Did you not find it so 
when you were a bootblack and roamed the streets with the 
young vagabonds? 

“ Yes, sir; I did,^^ answered the boy. 

“ Well, you see how demoralizing it is. Refinement lifts one 
up from the gutter; in effect, into a pure and wholesome atmos- 
phere. It reveals a new life and new ideas to man. It causes 
one to have more respect for one^s self and for others. The 
material is in you, Robert. You must strive to wear away the 
roughness, and become polished; then the world will only see 
your shining qualities. They will never know but that they are 
inherent, for the past will be invisible. 

“ I like to hear you talk, Mr. Morton. I will make every 
effort in my power, and I think you will yet be proud of me. I 


416 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM, 


go to bed every night and think over all the good things which 
you have said to me. I think of them, too, in the morning when 
I awake. I think of what a fortunate boy I am to have such a 
patron, and how ungrateful I should be if I did not do every- 
thing possible to please you.^^ 

Your frankness pleases me, Robert. I feel assured that you 
will succeed. 

“ You have always been rich, haven’t you, Mr. Morton? At 
least I should think that you had from your refinement.” 

‘‘ Ah, my lad, there is where you have a mistaken idea. 
Riches do not always bring refinement. No ; I know of many 
people who have wealth but who are coarse and destitute of 
refinement. On the contrary you will find in the humble walks 
of life many who are jewels of refinement, and who — ah! the 
Governor has arrived; we shall have to defer our conversation 
till another time.” 

The bell rang and the servant opened the door. The Gov- 
ernor entered, wearing a heavy overcoat with fur collar. After 
divesting himself of this, and his hat and gloves, he stepped 
into the drawing-room. Jasper Morton stood in readiness to 
receive him. Extending his hand cordially, he said : “ Gov- 
ernor Davids, I am truly glad to see you. You found it a chilly 
ride, I fear. You had better step to the grate and warm yourself 
before taking a seat.” 

Governor Davids grasped the extended hand and gave it a 
vigorous shake, replying : “ And I am glad to see you, Mr. 
Morton. I did not mind the ride at all; I like the bracing 
atmosphere. You were very kind to send your carriage. 
Mine has been sent to Springfield where it will remain for a 
while.” 

I thought it would save you trouble. How did you leave 
Madam Davids ?” 

“ Very well, thank you. I wish I could return the compli- 
ment by inquiring after Madam Morton.” 

“ Perhaps you can after a vhile,” said Morton laughingly. 

“ Ah, indeed!” replied Governor Davids, looking somewhat 
surprised. I hope so. You must lead a very lonely life here 
in this great castle, all alone.” 

Oh, I am not alone by any means. There is a femme de 


GLEAMING THE 3IYSTEMY. 


417 


charge and plenty of domestics in the house. I have found it 
a little more cheerful lately since I have taken Eohert under my 
wing. 

The Governor had not observed the youth who was sitting a 
little aside. Perceiving him by following Morton’s motion in the 
direction, he extended his hand saying : I beg your pardon, 

my boy, I did not see you. This is the young man I met at 
Springfield, is it not?” 

Eohert arose and took the extended hand, bowed politely and 
replied: Yes, sir; I accompanied Mr. Morton to witness the 
inauguration coremonies. I am glad to see you to-night.” 

Alorton scanned Eobert with a critical eye. The latter, how- 
ever, upon taking his seat again saw a pleased look upon his 
patron’s face, and felt that he had acquitted himself satisfactorily. 

Governor Davids stepped to the grate to warm his fingers, 
indulging the while in a little general conversation. Eobert sat 
quietly in his chair, while Jarmyn, behind the door, stood 
motionless, almost suppressing his breath, drinking in every 
word that was uttered by the invisible colloquists. 

As soon as Governor Davids had thoroughly warmed himself 
and had taken a seat, Eobert arose, politely excused himself, and 
retired to the library. Then stepping to the hall Morton 
banished the servant to the rear part of the house, remarking 
as he returned to the parlor : “ I dislike to have any listeners 
near me when I am conversing, except those for whom my words 
are intended. ” 

Jarmyn smiled as he thought that there was one who was 
getting the better of him at any rate. 

‘‘ Very sensible and very reasonable,” replied the Governor. 

“ Well, we are alone now and can talk without fear of being 
overheard. You undoubtedly have some curiosity to know why 
I wished to see you so soon after your inauguration ? ” 

‘‘ Oh, no particular curiosity. I anr alwavs interested in 
everything you have to say, and 1 am always eager to give my 
time and attention to one who has done so much for me.” 

I do not deserve that,” replied Morton. I have done no 
more for you than you have for me.” 

See! ha! ha! they understand each other; just as I expected,” 
said Jarmyn to himself. 

27 


418 


mE WKE OE AttOAMVM 


But that remark is not supported by the facts, Mr. Morton, 
said Governor Davids. 

“ Well, if there is a balance in my favor, Governor, I am going 
to call upon you to pay it. 

“ And I shall be glad to comply, hoping that my resources 
will permit. 

‘‘I do not think that it will overtax them,^^ said Morton, 
good-naturedly. 

“ They’re up to some scheme, but I’ll have him in a safe 
place before he has time to work it out,” thought Jarmyn, giv- 
ing the accustomed shrug to his shoulders which he never 
failed to do when he thought he had the victim of his craft 
within reach. 

Morton continued: “ I will begin. Governor, by asking if you 
remember the cripple, Marcellus Dunne, to whom I was credited 
some time ago with having given some preperty?” 

^‘Yes; and fifty thousand dollars besides,” remarked the 
Governor. 

“Well, some such matter,” replied Morton, indifferently. 
“ That’s not what I have in mind. I was going to say that a 
few days after that occurrence a very singular incident occurred, 
of which I have never spoken to any one. I was at home one 
evening when a young woman called to see me. She would not 
give her name and the servant was instructed not to admit her. 
She persisted, however, and I finally consented to see her here 
in this room. Judge of my surprise when she informed me that 
she was the daughter of Marcellus Dunne, and with tears in her 
eyes threw herself at my feet and poured out her thanks for 
what I had done for her father. She said she had run away 
from home several years before when her father was wealthy 
and lived in the city of Baltimore. She had never seen or heard 
of him afterward until the public prints made use of his name 
in connection with my gift. She had known nothing of his vicis- 
situdes; of the loss of his limbs and his fortune; or of his 
struggle with poverty in the very city where she herself resided. 
She acknowledged that she had led the life of a wanton in one 
of the most wretched resorts in the city, kept by one Madume 
Renaud. In the course of our conversation I drew out the lac t 
that she had eloped with a man who had promised to marry 


CLEARING THE MYSTERY. 


419 


her, but who deserted her upon reaching Chicago, and that she 
fell into the clutches of one Coulter — Jack Coulter, she called 
him — who was director-in-chief of the telegraph office. This 
man thrust her into Madame Renauffis den and kept her as his 
mistress for an indefinite period. Do you know anything of this 
man Coulter?’^ asked Morton. 

I do,^^ replied the Governor, “ and I have long held an opin- 
ion that he is a had man. 

Jar my n began to doubt himself again. 

“ Your opinion would seem to be fortified by the statement 
which followed from the lips of the woman. 

“ Howis that asked the Governor, becoming intensely inter- 
ested in what Morton had to say.^’ 

“ Why, she makes him out a murderer, said Morton. 

A murderer exclaimed the Governor, springing to his 
feet excitedly. 

“ Yes, a double murderer, in truth. 

“ My God ! that^s just what I have always thought. Where 
is this woman ? T must see her as soon as possible. 

« Why, Governor, what is the matter? Why are you so 
deeply interested in this affair ?^^ 

“ I am deeply interested, it is true. You shall hear later. 
Tell me, who does she say he murdered ?^^ 

“ She claims that he and two others murdered one Mancel 
Tewkes, and that shortly after they made way with a certain 
James Kye, who, it was thought, knew too much for his own 
good. 

“ Then, sir, he is in reality a triple murderer, for he caused 
the death — the suicide of my client, Stanley Edgcumb.^^ 

Jarmyn looked aghast at this statement and began to doubt 
himself more than ever. 

But, stop!^’ continued Governor Davids, interrupting Mor- 
ton just as he was about to speak ; There must be some 
mistake about this. When did you say James Kye was mur- 
dered ?'’ 

The Governor evidently had in mind the call which he 
had received after the trial, from the man who purported to be 
James Kye. 

Let me tell you the whole story as I had it from Marcellus 


420 TIIF DUKE OF AECANZm. 

Dimness daughter; then you will be able to form a better 
opiuion. 

The Governor seated himself again and Morton began. 

The girl, Chloe, for such is the name she goes by, as I have 
said was an inmate of Madam Renaud’s bagnio” 

“ And a worse place never existed on the earth, observed 
Governor Davids. 

So it would seem from what I have heard. Well, this young 
woman overheard remarks which excited her curiosity, and by 
secreting herself and listening to conversations in the house she 
discovered that a foul murder had been committed, and that her 
friend Coulter was implicated in it with Madam Renaud and a 
couple of villains called Vitellius and Pintard.” 

“ Yes, I know one of them, the fellow Pintard,” exclaimed the 
Governor. 

She claims — I refer to Chloe — that she was so captivated 
by Coulter that she would not give up the facts to the police. 
Neither did she inform Coulter of what she knew. It seems that 
Pintard was arrested shortly after for some crime, and that Coul- 
ter managed to have the charge of murdering Mancel Tewkes 
thrown upon one Stanley Edgcumb” 

Yes, sir, and I defended him. I knew that man was inno- 
cent as well as I knew that I was living. But Coulter had the 
thing too finely drawn for us. He is a fine worker, sir, sharp 
and shrewd as a Jew.” 

“ Well, when Edgcumb was tried. Coulter prevailed upon his 
mistress to cut off her hair, assume male attire and testify in the 
case. You may remember a witness who testified as having 
been the room-mate of James Kye.” 

Perfectly well, sir, and that witness turned the tide against 
us.” 

“ That witness was Chloe, the daughter of Marcellus Dunne.” 

How strange these things come out when it is too late. ” 

“ But it is not too late, sir. Coulter is still where the law 
can lay hands on him. Pintard is now in jail, and Madame 
Renaud, I understand, is still running a vile resort in the 
city.” 

“ Yes; but poor Edgcumb — it is to late to save him.” 

Never mind Edgcumb; let us attend to the perpetrators of 


CLBAHING THE MYSTEBY. 


421 


this outrage. Let me continue. Afterward Coulter treated 
Chloe very shamefully, but she did not dare to denounce him, 
because he had intimidated her by telling her that she was as 
deeply implicated as himself. It also seems that Pintard escaped 
at the time of the fire. A few months after that event Chloe cut 
loose from Madame Kenaud^s and took lodgings by herself. 
Pintard found her out, and came to her with a proposition to 
coerce Coulter into the payment of money. He claimed that he 
knew something very damaging to the Director-in-Chief ^s char- 
acter. Chloe supposed that it was the Mancel Tewkes affair, 
but she cunningly loosened his tongue with a bottle of wine and 
succeeded in getting the story from him without his knowing it. 
It was, in substance, this: A few days after Pintard’s arrest, and 
while Edgcumb was languishing in prison. Coulter and Yitellius 
abducted James Kye and carried him in a closed carriage to 
Madame Renaud^s dive. Here he was put into a horrible dun- 
geon underneath the house which they had evidently prepared 
for him. James Kye was expected to prove a valuable witness 
for Edgcumb, hence it became necessary to get him out of the 
way. The man was kept in this terrible place until the great 
fire came, when the inmates of the house fled, leaving him to his 
fate. He perished. 

“Mr. Morton, said Governor Davids, who had leaned for- 
ward in his chair with breathless interest, listening to the start- 
ling recital of facts connected with this remarkable and familiar 
case, “ there is something wrong about this. The woman has 
evidently imposed upon you. 

“ How soV^ calmly inquired Morton. 

“ For the reason that I saw and talked with James Kye one 
evening in my office after the trial — probably a week after 
Edgcumb^s suicide. From this woman^s story it would appear 
that he was confined in the dungeon at that time.^^ 

“ Do not judge too hastily. Governor. Hear my story to the 
end, and then I think all will be clear to you. Well, sir, upon 
getting the details of this terrible conspiracy against the lives 
of three men, I was determined to hunt them down sooner or 
later. I wanted more evidence, though, than the statement of 
this young woman alone. I have waited, and have been re- 
warded at last. Hear me, sir, it is most remarkable. You saw 


422 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


the young man, Robert, whom I have taken in charge. Well, he 
has been in my service about a year in the capacity of an office- 
boy. By a mere circumstance I discovered the other day that 
Robert can supply testimony which, with Chloe^s, will convict 
Coulter before any jury. It appears that Edgcumb w^as dis- 
charged by Mancel Tewkes on account of a message which had 
been lost and charged to him. This message was taken by 
Coulter from the hook and placed in the folds of Edgcumb’s 
newspaper, which lay upon the desk, while he was momentarily 
absent. When he went out at night he lost the paper from his 
pocket and with it the message. Robert, who was then a boot- 
black, saw it fall, and securing it, followed the car. He inquired 
for the owner, but no one claiming it, he put it in his pocket and 
kept it. A month later he was employed by Coulter to go to 
Edgcumb’s house in the evening and deliver a sealed envelope. 
A lady came to the door, and in taking the envelope from his 
l^ocket he drew this message out with it and lost it on the door- 
step. Upon inquiring into the case I find that upon the trial 
Edgcumb claimed to have received an anonymous communica- 
tion that evening, delivered by a boy, which contained a tweuty- 
dollar bill marked by a narrow strip of yellow paper upon one 
corner; and that Coulter denounced Edgcumb to the police, 
suggesting that they might find just such a bill upon his person, 
which he. Coulter, had loaned to Mancel Tewkes the day of his 
assassination. 

“ That is very valuable testimony, said the Governor. “ I 
remember all those circumstances very well. 

“ It also seems that Edgcumb’s wife found the message and 
handed it to her husband, who recognized it as the one which 
had so mysteriously disappeared, and which had given him so 
much trouble. With this in his hand he started at once for 
Mancel Tewkes’ house to explain how he had recovered it and 
to try and effect a reconciliation; but he arrived just in time to 
stumble upon the dead body of the Director-in- Chief, im- 
mediately after Coulter and the two villains had fled. Does the 
whole plot seem clear to you now, sir ? ” 

“ It does,” replied the Governor, thoughtfully. It is all clear 
except the statement that James Kye was abducted before the 
trial. Kye came to my office one night after the trial and we 


CLEABING THE MYSTERY. 423 

had a long talk together. He promised me faithfully to hunt 
Coulter down, but I have never seen him since. 

And has he not kept his word faithfully, sir ? demanded 
Morton. 

James Kye? 

“ It was not James Kye, but another.^’ 

Who, then, could it have been ? asked the Governor, 
anxiously. 

It was I, sir — the man you see before you this very instant. 

You! ” gasped the Governor, completely overcome with 
astonishment. “ Who are you? 

I am Stanley Edgcumb; the man whose life Coulter plotted 
against; the man you so generously defended; the man who 
escaped and made a fortune; the man whom Jarmyn has per- 
sistently followed so many years ; the man 

And the man whom Jarmyn has so fortunately failed to get 
hold of,^^ said the detective, stepping from behind the door. 

Morton and Governor Davids both sprang to their feet and 
confronted the intruder. The Governor looked first at Morton 
and then at Jarmyn helplessly, as if this double surprise had 
completely bereft him of his reason. Morton glared at the man 
who had dared to intrude himself upon his privacy, but Jarmyn 
met the gaze with a look of indifference, as if conscious that he 
had merely been engaged in the performance of a duty which 
he owed to the law, and which was paramount to all others which 
he owed, either to society or to individuals. 

“Gentlemen, I owe you an apology for my conduct, said 
Jarmyn. “ The truth is that I have traced this fugitive from time 
to time, and have made every effort in my power to apprehend 
him since the night of his escape, but I have failed. I have 
even thought him guilty of the murder for which he was tried 
and convicted. There was a time in the early days of this 
trouble when I, also, felt suspicious of Coulter. I watched him 
closely for many months, but was unable to verify my suspicions. 
I then abandoned my theories of his connection with it and 
dovoted all my efforts to find the man whom the jury had pro- 
claimed guilty. Twice have I had him within my grasp, but 
twice he has slipped away. Some time ago I became suspicious 
that Jasper Morton was Stanlej^ Edgcumb. I have even sus- 


424 


THE DUKE OF AECANUM. 


pected, Governor Davids, that you shared the secret with him, 
and were attempting to shield him from the law. I began my 
investigations but was bafQed at every step. I have long been 
in a state of uncertainty regarding my conjectures, and I came 
in here to-night and secreted myself, hoping to hear confidences 
between you which would confirm them, intending to arrest you, 
Mr. Morton. I have heard your story, sir, and I believe it. T 
believe that you are innocent and that Coulter is guilty. I do 
not believe that the law contemplates the persecution of any 
one, much less an innocent man; therefore, Mr. Morton, instead 
of placing you under arrest I will say that I am at your service, 
and if you wish Coulter’s arrest it shall be made to-night. ” 

Jasper Morton advanced and gave his hand to Jarmyn. 

“ Jarmyn, I fully appreciate the position in which you have 
been placed. You have been a faithful public servant. You 
thought that my life should be forfeited to the state and you 
have simply done your duty. As to your intrusion I can over- 
look it; lam glad that it has occurred, for it has brought about 
an understanding between us. ” 

“Well, well, well! This is beyond all human accounting,” 
exclaimed the Governor, somewhat recovering from the amaze- 
ment into which he had been thrown by Alorton’s declaration, 
followed closely as it was by Jarmyn’s avowal. “ Can it be pos- 
sible that you are Stanley Edgcumb, the man I have supposed 
to have been dead for so many years 

“I am, indeed,” replied Morton. “I think. Governor, you 
will remember this paper which you gave me upon the occasion 
of my visit to your office. ” 

Morton then exhibited the check which the Governor had 
given him, but which he had never presented for payment. The 
Governor examined it. 

“Yes, yes; I remember distinctly. But what became of the 
plans of the telegraph invention which you showed and 
explained to me 

“ I went to England, sir, completed the invention, patented 
it and received a fortune for it which gave me a start in life. 
Have I canceled my indebtedness for your professional services 
in trying to save my life, Mr. Davids?” 


CLEAPilNG THE MYSTEBY. 425 

Oh, a thousand times over; yes, ten thousand times over! 
I am in your debt, deeply in your debt. 

“ Then let me recommend Jarmyn to your political considera- 
tion,^^ said Morton, smilingly, “and also let me call upon you 
to assist in bringing these murderers to justice. 

“ I am as ready to avenge Stanley Edgcumb living, as Stanley 
Edgcumb dead, grimly replied the Governor. Then addressing 
Jarmyn, he said: “ Jarmyn, you had better take Coulter and 
Madam Renaud into custody as soon as you can — to-night if 
possible. My friend, Jasper Morton, or Stanley Edgcumb, 
rather 

“Jasper Morton, please, for the present,’^ interrupted that 
gentleman. 

“ Very well, my friend Jasper Morton seems to have been inde- 
fatigable in his pursuit of these inhuman wretches. His work 
has been so thoroughly executed that once in the meshes of the 
law there will be no help for them.’^ 

“ Gentlemen, I have both a request and another short state- 
ment to make,^^ said Morton. “I request that everything 
which has transpired to-night be kept profoundly secret for the 
present. Neither Chloe nor Robert Earl know that I am other 
than Jasper Morton. My influence with them is supreme, and 
they will testify to the truth. The statement is this: The day 
after Chloe’s confession I purchased the lot where Madam Re- 
naud^s den formerly stood. The ruins stand to-day just as the 
fire left them. I had the place boarded up to keep out intru- 
ders. I think that as soon as Jarmyn has made the arrests he 
had better take one or two trusty men and search for Kye’s 
remains among the debris. 

“ I am at your service, sir,^^ said Jarmyn, with a respectful 
bow. 

“ I will lay the whole case before the State’s Attorney and 
see that the culprits are tried, convicted and punished. The 
supposition may rest that Stanley Edgcumb is dead until the 
time comes when you wish to have it known otherwise. Jar- 
myn, do your best, and you shall be rewarded.” 

“ You can rely upon him. Governor, I am certain of it,” said 
Morton. 

Jarmyn acknowledged the compliment, and replied : “ Ger»- 


THE DUKE OE AECANUM. 


42 () 

tleraeii, do not fear ; the law shall be satisfied. I go now to 
perform the duties of my office. I will report in the morning. 
Good-night.^’ 

Morton saw Jarmyn to the door and gave him his hand ; then 
returning, he entertained the Governor till midnight with 
the story of his remarkable career after the fatal thunder-bolt 
had stretched the State’s Attorney lifeless upon the court-room 
floor. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


TO PRISON. 

I HAVE merely done my duty/^ said Jarmyn, as he left Mor- 
ton ^s house, soliloquizing upon the strange course which afiairs 
had so suddenly taken. He might have felt some chagrin in 
making this asseveration, because of his four years or more of 
fruitless pursuit. But at any rate he would be able to satisfy 
the law for the murder of Mancel Tewkes; if not in the person 
of him selected by the jury, in others eminently deserving the 
punishment. As he hurried along on his errand, his mind 
dwelt long upon the singular revelations of the evening. His 
thoughts drifted back to the scenes at the hospital, then gradu- 
ally covering the interval between that period and the present. 
He was not at all disposed to believe in the supernatural or 
providential, but it did seem to him as if Edgcumb^s life had 
been hedged about by some mysterious charm which had not 
only protected him from an ignominious fate, but had guided 
him through dangers, and had raised him up to wealth and 
position, and now, at last, had so singularly provided him with 
the evidence of his own innocence and the guilt of others. In 
this connection he traced his own futile efforts to apprehend 
him ; the hopes and fears which had pervaded him, even to the 
very moment when Morton had declared his identity to the 
Governor. The truth was that he had been misled by the con- 
versation, and when he realized that Governor Davids believed 
Stanley Edgcumb to be dead, and knew the “ Duke of Arcanum 
only as Jasper Morton, his hopes began to fall to a lower ebb 
than ever, for the story of the crime seemed to come out as nat- 
urally as if but a mere chance had cast it in Morton^s way. At 
the very moment of Morton^s declaration, he had entirely aban- 
doned the conclusions which he had reached in the art-room but 
a short time before. 


428 


TEE EUKE OF ABCANUM. 


Such were Jarmyn’s meditations as he turned into one of the 
leading thoroughfares in the central part of the city. He was 
rapidly approaching the point where he expected to begin his 
search for Coulter, and naturally enough all his thoughts now 
became centered upon the conspirators who had figured so clev- 
erly in this remarkable case. Then his old-time suspicions (4* 
Coulter crowded into his head, just as they had when standing 
behind the. door listening to that revelation. The afiiiir of the 
night which had turned Coulter’s hair gray stood vividly before 
him. He could also see the form of the mysterious witness at 
the trial who had aroused his curiosity so much ; and he believed 
that he should know that face even then. Suddenly he stopped 
before a building brilliantly illuminated within. It was the Tivoli. 
The place seemed like a veritable garden, with its bowers, 
shrubbery, birds, fountains and cascades. Tables were inter- 
spersed here and there throughout the vast hall, at which were 
seated men of all ages and degrees in convivial fellowship. 
People were coming and going ; groups of men were standing 
about discussing politics or the news of the day, while now and 
then the orchestra pealed forth some beautiful strain which fora 
time drowned the hum of voices. Entering wnth seeming care- 
lessness and indifference, he mingled with the loungers. His 
steel-gray eyes were on the alert, and their keen glances fell 
upon all within range. Moving about he closely scanned the 
faces of those sitting around the tables, or forming the little 
groups standing numerously about. One round of the spacious 
hall w as made and another inner circle commenced, when ho 
came suddenly upon the object of his search seated at a table 
with three companions — unsavory characters whom he knew to 
be connected with a den but a few doors awuiy to the south. He 
had not seen Coulter in many months, and the downward 
course w^hich he had taken was unknowni to him, consequently 
he looked at his debauched face and threadbare garments for 
several minutes before he could assure himself of his identity. 
The four men drained their glasses as Jarmyn approached, and 
Coulter pounded vigorously with his knuckles upon the table to 
attract a passing waiter. 

“ ril tell you, boys,” said Coulter, as the waiter darted away 
with the empty mugs, “ speaking of the game that’s run over 


TO PBTSON. 


420 


the way; it’s honest enough if a fellow could only beat it. I’ve 
blown in a X)ile of good money over there as you all know ; but, 
blast the thing ! there’s no luck in any of it for me. ” 

Oh, you’ll hit ’em some day. Jack, and bust the bank; see 
if you don’t,” said the capper” on his left. 

A turn about is fair play,” Coulter replied with a sardonic 
smile. They’ve busted me often enough. I staked my last 
dollar over there on an ace to-night and lost, so I’ll have nothing 
to do but to lie around on the block and keep drunk for a while, 
till” 

Till your ship comes in, eh ? ” asked one of his companions. 

Just then the waiter deposited the four foaming glasses upon 
the table, and Coulter flipped down a quarter, saying: There 
she goes, boys; that’s the last ; any more beer and you fellows 
will have to settle the bill. ” 

There was a coarse laugh as they raised their glasses, but 
before they had touched their lips the man who sat opposite 
Coulter, a swarthy, repulsive-looking creature with deep-set 
eyes and coal-black mustache, said: “We’ve all been there, 
Coulter, and we ain’t got so far to go to get there again ; and most 
of us haven’t a woman to stir up the dust when we go broke.” 

“ What do you mean? ” asked Coulter, glaring at his con- 
vivial friend. 

“ Oh, I’m on to the racket, old boy.” I notice you’re always 
flush after you meet that good looking woman in here about 
once a month. Who is she ? You’re in deuced good luck, after 
all.” 

Coulter made an effort to smile, but he was in no mood 
to do so. His encounter at the faro-table during the evening 
had put him in an unpleasant frame of mind. The smile was a 
mere mockery, so hollow, so degenerate that his companions 
were not persuaded to make more of it than it really was. 

“Well, to tell you the truth,” replied Coulter, “ that’s the 
woman I’m going to marry. She’s rich, too, or rather the old 
man is, which is all the same, you know.” 

“ Come, tell us all about her — who she is; we are interested 
in your good luck,” urged the man on his left. 

“ Yes, yes. Coulter,” urged the others, “ tell us all about her 
and we’ll drink a bumper to her health. 


430 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM, 


Well^ here you go; well empty these mugs first, for T don’t 
fancy having my wife toasted with stale beer. No^ we’ll have a 
fresh deal, and remember you must set ’em up.” 

Again the four glasses were drained and a fresh supply 
ordered. Coulter proceeded : “ What I tell you, boys, must be 

considered confidential. The girl I am going to marry is the 
only daughter of Marcellas Dunne, whom the ^ Duke of 
Arcanum ’ provided for so royally some time ago. I presume 
you all remember the circumstance.” 

The trio manifested no little astonishment at this announce- 
ment. Hands were passed across the table and congratulations 
tendered him. 

“ Marcellus Dunne ! ” exclaimed one. 

The old organ-grinder’s daughter!” exclaimed another. 

“ Whew ! you’ll stand pat with the ^ Duke of Arcanum,’ 
then,” exclaimed a third. 

“Gentlemen,” interrupted Jarmyn, stepping from behind a 
little evergreen and addressing Coulter’s companions, “ I am 
sorry to disturb you, but there is one who has a greater claim 
upon this man than even the daughter of Marcellus Dunne. ” 

“ Who is that, sir,” demanded Coulter, rising to his feet, his 
face flushed with indignation. 

“ It is the great State of Illinois, in whose name I now place 
you under arrest. ” 

The color instantly left Coulter’s face, and it assumed an 
almost ashen appearance. His eyes flashed and he glanced nerv- 
ously about in an irresolute way. 

“ Who are you, sirT’ 

“ I am Jarmyn,” came the cold response, as the detective 
opened his coat and showed the law’s emblem of authority on 
his breast. Coulter’s appearance now betrayed an utter help- 
lessness. He did not ask upon what charge he was arrested, for 
he had a dreadful suspicion of its nature. Silently his compan- 
ions sat in their chairs, awed by the name which had produced 
such an electric eflect. But Jarmyn allowed no time for 
parley. A pair of manacles were instantly forthcoming, and 
before Coulter could scarcely realize it his wrists were secured 
and he was being conducted to the door. 

Jarmyn no sooner saw the grated door of a cell turn upon 


TO PiitSON. 


431 


Coulter than he left the station with two stalwart officers to 
make a descent upon Madame Renaud^s establishment. The 
burly Frenchwoman was found in her saloon counting the 
money in her till. Half a dozen hard-looking characters were 
still lounging about the place, but they slunk away upon 
recognizing the officers^ intentions. Madame Renaud, always 
bold and aggressive, scowled at the officers. Her hardened 
visage seemed to take on all the effrontery of her brutal nature, 
and she hissed in a croaking, vemonous way : “ Oh, ye dogs ! 
what d’ye want here this time o’ night ? Ye wanter rope me in 
fur another fine, eh? ” Then with a shocking oath she placed 
her great, fat, bare arms down upon the counter, with the elbows 
forming an angle, her massive jaws firmly set, and glared with 
the ferocity of a wild beast. 

Madame Renaud knew Jarmyn, and she knew that his entrance 
with the two officers foreboded ill. Those tactics were the same 
to which she always resorted in case of trouble. They were of 
the heroic, invincible sort, but they were useless now, for she was 
confronted by a man who knew her well, and who was as resolute 
as a Spartan soldier. 

From the woman’s attitude Jarmyn expected trouble. He 
stepped around behind the bar, closely followed by the officers, 
saying : “ Old woman, you are under arrest. If you will come 
along peaceably without giving us any trouble it will be all the 
better for you.” 

Be ye goin’ to pull the whole house? ” Madame Renaud 
gruffly demanded. 

No; we are satisfied with you this time. We won’t disturb 
the house if you will get your bonnet and shawl and come 
along. ” 

“ But I’ll pay the fine right here, sir. I’ll double it. How 
much will it be ?” she asked, displaying a large roll of money. 

I can’t fix the fine, Madame. That will have to be done by 
one authorized to do such things,” Jarmyn replied. 

Madame Renaud saw that it was useless to try to bluff the offi- 
cers. She thought that if she could prevent the inmates of the 
liouse from being disturbed by going quietly with the officers 
she would gain by doing so. She considered it merely a spasm of 
virtue on the part of the police, at which time they always made 


432 


THE DUKE OF ADC AN mi. 


a descent upon the brothels and gambling-dens. She had fre- 
quently been dragged before the petty tribunals,, charged with 
keeping such resorts and fined for her oflense. She regarded 
this in the light of a repetition of those occurrences, only on for- 
mer occasions all the inmates and visitors had been subjected to 
the same treatment. She even flattered herself that she was 
now being treated more leniently than heretofore, and her bear- 
ing became at once more conciliatory. Jarmyn, observing this, 
pressed the matter : “ Come, we have no time to waste. If you 

doifit want the whole house run in to-night, you had better be 
up and off with us. You are under arrest, come along. 

As Jarmyn spoke the two officers stepped forward, one upon 
either side, and laying hold of her arms pushed her from behind 
the counter. 

‘‘ Let me get my wraps and Til go without any trouble, the 
wanton shrieked. 

Where are they asked one of the officers. 

“ In my own room, sir. It^s a cold night to go out without a 
shawl an’ bonnet.” 

Well, we will go with you and help you find them,” the 
officers replied, at the same time escorting her to the door lead- 
ing to her own apartment. 

In a few minutes the officers returned with their prisoner suit- 
ably wrapped for the rigors of that January night. Madame 
Renaud, upon leaving her room, had taken occasion to daub her 
ugly red face with powder until it looked, to Jarmyn, as if a 
calciminer had smeared it with his brush. She wished to 
impress the police magistrate and the officers at the station. 
The lights were extinguished and the party left the house. 

Standing before the sergeant’s desk, the wanton became vol- 
uble, but there was a sudden change in her demeanor as Jarmyn 
was asked : “ What is the charge against this woman?” 

‘‘ Murder,” was the only word which came in response to the 
question, and Madame Renaud’s ruddy complexion became so 
colorless that it was difficult to distinguish the calcimine. 


CHAPTEK XXX. 


AT THE GRAVE. 

Goveehoe Davids passed the night at Morton’s house. 
Breakfast was served at the usual hour, the table being spread 
for three — Morton, his guest, and Kobert Earl. The topic of 
conversation was general, the events of the night before not 
being touched upon in the presence of the youth. After break- 
fast Morton led the way to the library. Robert was then per- 
mitted to go to the stable and see the horses, while Morton and 
the Governor renewed the conversation which was left unfin- 
ished at midnight. 

Scarcely a word had passed between them ere Jarmyn was 
observed standing in the doorway. He had entered by a rear 
door, and having been informed that Morton was in the library 
came directly through, much to the astonishment of the servants 
of that unusually well-regulated household. 

“ Come in, sir, come in ; I was just thinking of you as I looked 
up and saw you. Wliat is the news! ” 

Speaking thus Morton stepped forward and gave his hand to 
the detective. Governor Davids, either from his own volition 
or in emulation of the example set by Morton, also arose and 
gave Jarmyn a warm grasp of the hand. 

“ You must pardon my rudeness,” said Jarmyn, taking the 
profi'ered seat, “ but I thought it w'ould be better to come in the 
back way and find you myself, than to excite the curiosity of 
the servants by ringing the door-bell. You know it is only a 
few hours since I occupied a menial position in your service.” 

All laughed, while the Governor remarked: “Jarmyn, that 
was a pretty clever trick.” 

“ Ne apologies are necessary,” said Morton; “ I have known 
you long enough, Jarmyn. We were on quite intimate terms at 
one time. ” 

£3 


433 


434 THK DVKli AttCAls^VM. 

“Yes; but our relations Were very suddenly broken otV/^ 
Jarmyn replied. 

Another laugh followed; joined in by the Governor, for he 
understood the allusion. 

“ Well; gentlemen/^ said Jarmyn, seriously, “ I have kept my 
promise. Coulter and INIadame Kenaud are behind the bars. My 
part is fulfilled. It now devolves upon you to prosecute and to 
furnish the evidence to convict them. 

“ Bravo! ” exclaimed the Governor, clapping his hands. 

“ Very clever, indeed, said Morton, calmly. “ My manifes- 
tations may not be as vociferous as are the Governor’s, but my 
delight is as great, or perhaps greater than his. When did you 
make the arrests! ” 

“ Last night; both were in the toils before midnight.” 

“ Did they give you any trouble!” 

“ None at all. I found Coulter at the Tivoli. He was a little 
dazed when I mentioned my business, but I had the handcuffs 
on him before he had time to recover his wits.” 

“ And Madame Kenaud!” 

“ I simply used a little diplomacy in her case. I rather coaxed 
her into it.” 

“ He actually stole her off the nest without her knowing it. 
More shrewdness for you, ” said the Governor turning to Morton, 
laughingly. The latter also looked much amused. 

“ Jarmyn, you have done well,” said Morton, soberly. “ You 
say your part has been fulfilled, but there is a further matter 
which I greatly desire to have you undertake. It is to select 
one or two good men and examine the ruins of the Kinzie 
street den ; make a thorough search for the remains of poor 
Kye. I am satisfied that you will find them there.” 

“ I will do so at once,” replied Jarmyn. 

“ I will bear the expense, whatever it may be. Make the 
examination and report what you find. As to the rest, leave 
that to the Governor and myself. Depend upon it, we shall 
crush them as we would vipers, beneath the heel. ” 

Jarmyn arose to depart, but ere going he turned to Morton, 
saying : “ Mr. Morton, there is something which I should like 
to speak of; moreover, it is a small favor which I should like 
to ask.” 


AT THE GBAVE. 


435 


“ Proceed; I am in just the humor for it/^ Morton replied. 

^‘Well; sir, I simply wish to ask you to re-engage the hostler 
that you dismissed a few days ago. I met him on the street and 
brought him with me. The fact is that he was innocent of the 
charge of neglecting your horses. It was nothing but a mean 
subterfuge on my part through which he came to be discharged. 
You are aware that I suspected you of being Stanley Edgcumb. 
I wished to obtain a place about your establishment where I 
could study you. I saw an opportunity and availed myself of it. 
I smeared one of your horses with manure just as they were 
leaving the stable, and as I expected, the hostler was discharged, 
aud I was employed in his place. Now, sir, I should like to 
have you reinstate him and pay him the wages which are due 
me for services in the stable.’^ 

‘‘By Jove! there’s more shrewdness for you, Morton,” said 
the Governor, convulsed with merriment at the manner in which 
his friend had been taken in by the detective. Morton was 
equally amused at the imposture and joined heartily in the 
laughter. He instructed Jarmyn to set matters right, promising 
to do as he was requested. 

Jarmyn withdrew. A lengthy consultation was then held 
between Morton and the Governor, after which the carriage was 
ordered and the two men, with Robert Earl, were driven away. 
In a few minutes they stopped before a plain-looking brick 
house, whereupon Morton alighted and entered. He was gone 
several minutes, and upon his return was accompanied by a 
woman closely veiled. It was Chloe. Then, with its additional 
charge, the vehicle proceeded on its way. Upon arriving at their 
destination and alighting, the party found themselves before 
the State Attorney’s office. Let us suppose what transpired 
therein and follow the movements of Jarmyn for the time being. 

Almost simultaneously with the entrance of the party thus 
described into the public prosecutor’s office, Jarmyn, with two 
laborers, scaled the high fence which inclosed the ruins of 
Madame Renaud’s ancient dive. No time was lost in getting to 
work upon the debris, Jarmyn directing the operations, while 
the men, with pick and shovel, performed the labor of removal. 
The work progressed rapidly, the debris being thrown into 
heaps, and the ground surface, as rapidly as it was reached. 


43(1 


TII7<J DUKE OF AECANUDL 


being searched carefully for signs of an opening which might 
lead to a subten*ancan chamber. While casting his eyes about 
and scanning critically every nook or crevice within the narrow 
limits of the dismantled walls, Jarmyn noticed a peculiar con- 
dition of the base of what had once been a chimney. Commenc- 
ing at about what would have been the first-lloor level and 
extending downward, the bricks of the chimney had been 
entirely removed on the inner side and also chipped out with 
some sharp instrument back toward the wall and downward 
from where had evidently been a fire-place. He at once con- 
cluded that this had been done to make an aperture for the 
pui'pose of communicating with some underground chamber. 
The men were then directed to remove the debris from the 
vicinity of the chimney, and in a few minutes they were 
rewarded by finding a cavity, filled with blackened and moldy 
bricks at the base of it. 

Jarmyn now felt assured that the story which Morton had 
obtained from Marccllus Dunne’s daughter had some founda- 
tion, and that he w4s upon the point of reaching some startling 
developments. 

After the debris had been removed to the depth of about 
three feet, it was found that the hole commenced to enlarge 
considerably, and the work now became more arduous. Only 
one man could work at a time picking out the debris and 
throwing it above. 

Go carefully with your pick now,” cried Jarmyn to the man 
below, as the depth of the hole began to increase materially. 

Finally the pick struck into a black, moldy substance, which 
the workman perceived to be charred wood. Into this it was sunk 
again, now coming into contact with a hard substance, at which 
the man dug carefully, scraping away the loosened debris with 
his fingers. Suddenly his hand grasped something and he 
shouted above : “ A chain ! I’ve struck a chain ! ” 

“ Go carefully and trace it along,” replied Jarmyn, peering 
curiously down into the hole. 

The man followed instructions and very soon exclaimed : “ It’s 
fastened to a bone ! It looks like the bone of a man’s leg. ” 

“ Just as I expected; you will find a whole skeleton there. 


AT THE QliAVE, 43? 

Gro carefully, and Jarmyn leaned over and watched his move- 
ments with increasing interest. 

Very soon there came another excited exclamation : 

It’s a skeleton ! It’s a skeleton; sure ! A skeleton; sure as you 
live! ” 

The wmrk of uncovering the dead now occupied hut a short 
time. When the task was completed the man came up and 
Jarmyn descended to view the l emains in the dungeon. It Was 
a hideous spectacle ; one that sent a shiver through his frame 
and chilled the blood in his veins. 

A candle being procured; a little later Jarmyn again descended 
to examine the dungeon. Upon one of its sides he saw char- 
acters in the clay walls which proved to be partly intelligible. 
A close inspection revealed a startling confirmation of Chloe’s 
confession. It was this : 

“ I, JAMES KYE, 

was abducted by some unknown persons on the night of March 12, 1871, and 
put in this horrible place to die. ” 

The remainder could not bo deciphered, only occasional let- 
ters being recognizable. A further examination proved that 
there was a tunnel running from the dungeon toward the street, 
but no attempt was made to explore it. 

Morton was immediately apprised of the result of the investi- 
gation and Jarmyn was instructed to turn the matter over to the 
authorities, as the culprits were safely lodged in prison. A sen- 
sation followed, and Jarmyn was credited with extraordinary 
skill in having worked up the case. 

After the inquest had been held, James Kye’s remains were, 
by Morton’s direction, placed in a cofi&n and given a decent 
burial in the cemetery. The newspapers contained the 
announcement that the Duke of Arcanum” had charitably 
provided for the interment of the remains, they having been 
found upon his property; and further, that a mysterious lady 
had called upon the undertaker, and with deep emotion had 
asked for the location of the grave. 

Several days after Kye’s interment Morton decided to visit 
the cemetery to make arrangements for the proper care of the 
grave. The memory of his dead friend was dear to him. He 
could not think of his miserable fate with composure. He would 


438 


Tlll^ DUKE OF AlWANVM. 


willingly have parted with every dollar of his vast fortune to 
have restored the life which had been sacrificed on his own 
account. As it was he could only pay a tender tribute to his 
memory by caring for his last resting-place. 

The weather had suddenly moderated, turning as balmy as 
spring. Taking a public conveyance, Morton started early in 
the afternoon, carrying with him a beautiful wreath of flowers 
to lay upon Kye^s grave. Arriving at the cemetery he left the 
carriage. He knew where the grave was located, for he had 
personally attended to the selection of the spot. As he neared 
the place of burial he observed a lady kneeling by a newly 
made grave, which he knew to be that of his unfortunate friend. 
He paused a moment, wondering why she was there. Per- 
haps she has mistaken it for another’s grave, ” he thought. I 
will step forward and inform her of her mistake.” Morton 
advanced quietly without being x>erceived, and stood with 
uncovered head upon the opposite side of the grave. Arising 
from her prayer she discovered the presence of a stranger, and 
betrayed some confusion in consequence. 

“ What, Imogen ! My wife ! ” exclaimed Morton, dropping the 
wreath and reaching his arms over the grave toward her. 

“ YoUj Stanley! My husband!” Imogen cried, excitedly, in 
return, at the same time yielding herself into his arms. 

“ At last ! My God ! united at last ; and over the grave of 
our dearly beloved friend,” said Morton, as he pressed her face 
to his own and imprinted a kiss. 

“ Oh, Stanley, is it you ? How changed! Can it be possible 
that I look again into the face of my long lost husband f” 

Yes, Imogen, my dear, it is your Stanley. Look at me well 
and see if you do not recognize your husband of long ago.” 

IMorton relaxed his hold and Imogen drew back and gazed 
into his face. Then stepping around the grave he took his 
wife’s hands in his own and said: Now tell me, Imogen, am I 

not the same Stanley who was torn from yon and thrown into 
prison? ” 

I know the voice, but — Stanley you are so changed, so dif- 
ferent from what you were wdien we were so cruelly separated. 
You look so manly, so dignified, so nice ” — and she kissetl him 
passionately — “ all except those scars.” 





w< 


:v>?svlve> 

* 






■ i' j^:v^*A"' ‘-™Ea ,v; . w: i ,v ' ^ V*, ..ste ^ 




AT THE GBAVE. 


439 


Yes; those scars have a history that would make you shud- 
der to hear, my darling, replied Morton. But I see, Imogen, 
that you have come here upon the same errand that has brought 
me — to visit the grave of our dead friend. 

Yes, Stanley; and how good it was of the ^Duke of Arca- 
num^ to lay his remains away at rest in this beautiful spot.^^ 

Morton nodded assent, and said: I have brought a wreath 

which I intended to leave here as a tribute to his memory, but 
we will place it together as a joint token of the place which he 
has in our hearts and our memory. And together they laid it 
softly upon the grave. 

Oh, Stanley ! I really think that if our dead friend who lies 
buried here had known that this happy reunion would have 
taken place over his grave, he would have been willing to have 
given up his life to have it so. 

I do not doubt it. God bless his soul ! — and may it find ever- 
lasting peace. 

Arm in arm the happy pair turned away. They walked along 
the paths of the cemetery, not knowing or caring whither they 
went, so completely absorbed were they in the happiness of the 
hour. 

Is there any danger to you, dear Imogen inquired, glanc- 
ing nervously about. 

^ None whatever; have no fear,^^ Stanley replied, with an 
assuring smile. 

But, Jarmyn?^^ she said, looking anxiously in his face. 

He is my best friend; he knows that I am an innocent 
man.^^ 

“ Thank God ! how relieved I am. But tell me, Stanley, is 
this happiness only momentary? Are we to be separated 
again 

We shall be separated only for a short time now, my wife. 
In a few days honor will be restored to my name and then we 
shall be reunited. I shall have a home ready to receive you and 
our children. You are aware of Coulter’s arrest? Mancel 
Tewkes’ death will be avenged and my honor vindicated. You 
have always believed me innocent and your confidence shall be 
rewarded. When the trial takes place I wish to have you attend 


440 


THE LUKE OF ABCANUM. 


it. I desire to have you witness the act which shall restore 
your husband to you. Bring the children with you, but do not, 
by word or look, recognize me, or permit the children to know 
who I am. I am not Stanley Edgcumb now, I am another. 

My husband, I have always thought you innocent. I have 
always had faith that time would wipe away the stain upon 
your name. There have been times when I almost despaired ; 
when I thought that we were pursued by a cruel fate ; then the 
image of your face would appear to me, bright and cheerful, 
bringing hope and faith again to me. Yes; I shall gladly do as 
you request. What could give a wife greater pleasure than to 
witness her husband’s triumph over wrongs and adversity? 
Paget and Geryl, too, shall see the law put them in possession of 
a father. They have had none all these years and their little 
hearts will leap with joy when they see a real and living one in 
you, my noble husband.” 

And they shall not be denied a father’s love and protection 
henceforth,” Morton replied, with deep emotion. 

Long they walked, and talked over the incidents of the past; 
of the children, of Coulter’s arrest and the evidence which would 
convict him ; but not once did Morton permit a single word to 
pass his lips which would reveal the name or career which had 
been his since they had parted. To all questions which Imogen 
put concerning this, the reply came: Imogen, you shall soon 
know all ; be patient. To you I am Stanley Edgcumb, and I 
wish to remain so. I have preserved my secret from all the world 
since my escape. It is all that has saved me. It must be pre- 
served a few days longer; then you shall know all.” 

They had come to the main entrance of the cemetery, where 
Morton had left his carriage. 

“ Come, let us enter the carriage and drive to the city. I 
must have your company as long as possible; moreover, it has 
been many years since we had a carriage ride together. You 
came by rail?” 

Yes, Stanley; but I am afraid that something will befall 
you on account of your recklessness. Kemember you are still 
liable to the law.” 

I have no fear, why should you ? I could only be imprisoned 


AT THE GBAVE. 


441 

for a short tioie at most. I would williugly undergo that hard- 
ship for tlie sake of your company.^’ 

Morton assisted Imogen into the carriage before she could 
further protest. Then quickly following himself, he seized the 
reins and they dashed away toward the city. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

THE KEUKIOH. 

Theke was great indignation in the community against 
Madame Renaud when it became known that a human skel- 
eton had been found in a dungeon beneath the old Kinzie 
street bagnio. A suspicion of such things had long been preva- 
lent in the minds of people, and when such incontrovertible 
evidence was discovered, the popular voice cried out for jus- 
tice. 

The interest in the Mancel Tewkes murder case was revived 
by these notable arrests. The incidents of the Edgcumb trial 
were recalled. The conviction, escape, suicide, and strange dis- 
appearance of James Kye were all brought to mind, only to aug- 
ment or intensify the feelings of bitterness, or to call forth still 
deeper execrations upon the heads of the prisoners. There 
was a popular sentiment abroad that a speedy trial and convic- 
tion should follow. 

The Statens Attorney saw in Jarmyn^s discovery a confirma- 
tion of the statement made to him by Chloe in the presence of 
the Governor and the Duke of Arcanum. The demands of 
an outraged public found a responsive echo in his actions, and 
he prepared to hasten the arraignment and trial of the pris- 
oners with all the speed which the law would afford. 

As to the prisoners themselves, they were kept entirely apart. 
Pintard was furious when told that instead of the old charge of 
burglary which was pending against him at the time of his 
escape, he would be tried upon an indictment for murder. 
Madame Renaud was irreconcilable over her fate. She knew 
that she had run her course j that the police had long sought 
an opportunity to place her within the pale of the law, to answer 
for her many crimes. She raved in her cell, and loaded the 
prison air with foul curses upon Jarmyn and the officers for the 
deception which they had practiced upon her, With one breath 

443 


Tm HE UNION, 443 

she protested her innocence, and with the next she emptied the 
vials of her wrath upon Coulter, Pintard and Chloe. 

Coulter was sullen. He sat upon the edge of his bed hours 
at a time, with his head bent forward in his hands. If any one 
approached the door he would sometimes glance with a restless 
look toward the iron bars of his cell. The dim discernment of a 
mind clouded with alcohol, such as had been his upon the night 
of his arrest, had cleared into a true perception of his condition, 
and the fate which was in store for him. He saw himself in the 
same situation as the man he had persecuted — in prison, with- 
out a farthing or a friend, and what was even worse, without 
the consciousness of innocence to give him hope. If there ever 
comes an hour of desolation to a wicked heart ; an hour when 
neglected opportunities, a misspent life, or a life of crime lashes 
the soul with the terrors of the penalties before it, it must have 
come to him as he languished under the restraint of his prison 
walls, contemplating the past and anticipating the future. In 
such a situation a man’s own thoughts become an engine of tor- 
ture, remorseless, consuming, and from which there is no escape. 
There can be but one result to all this. It is such as befell 
Coulter ; the victim falls into a state of sullenness. It is the 
first state to supervene, after which follows a gradual submission 
to the inevitable. 

The Statens Attorney procured two indictments against the 
prisoners, one for the murder of Mancel Tewkes, the other for 
the murder of James Eye. A few days later the court assem- 
bled in which they were to be tried. Madame Eenaud had funds 
with which to procure a lawyer to defend her; but the Court 
found it necessary to appoint one to look after CoultePs and 
Pintard’s defense. They were to be tried together upon the 
indictment for the murder of Mancel Tewkes. 

The prisoners were brought before the bar to xfiead. Coulter 
and Pintard plead not guilty. Then Madame Renaud stood up. 

“Do you plead guilty or not guilty to the charged was 
asked. 

“ Guilty ! answered the wanton. 

There was a sensation in the court-room as the coarse, gruff 
voice of the woman pronounced these words. 

Coulter and Pintard turned upon her a look of hatred and 


444 


THE LUKE OE AUCAEVM. 


contempt. If they had clierished any hope at all it was dissi- 
pated by the words which they had just heard. 

Madame Renaud’s counsel then arose and said : Your Honor : 
After a thorough examination into iny client’s case I have ad- 
vised this step, ^kladame Renaud pleads guilty to this charge 
and throws herself upon the mercy of the Court, hoping that it 
will be remembered in pronouncing sentence upon her that she 
is a woman. The prosecution, I am informed, does not seek to 
establish anything beyond the fact that this woman was one 
of the conspirators against the life of Mancel Tewkes, and not a 
principal to the act of murder itself. We do not deny that the 
responsibility before the law is the same in either case; but we 
hope that it will mitigate the severity of the sentence which the 
Court might otherwise see ht to pronounce. Anne Renaud 
will make a full confession as the trial proceeds.” 

The plea was entered upon the court records, and the trial 
proceeded. 

A lady entered with two children. They were given seats 
near the State’s Attorney. Coulter recognized the wife of Stan- 
ley Edgcumb. 

Grovernor Davids occupied a chair by the side of the judge, 
while Chloe sat next to Imogen. It was her hour of triumph. 
A look of revenge was in her eyes. There was no longer any 
need of keeping up her deception. The mask was off, and Coul- 
ter saw, when it was too late, that he had been consorting with 
the very incarnation of duplicity; one who had led him slowly 
but surely into the meshes of the law. 

Next to Chloe sat Robert Earl, and behind him, leaning with 
his arm upon the railing which kept back the throng of specta- 
tors, stood Jarmyn, viewing the scene with a relish. It was 
meat and drink to him ; the reward of a long and faithful chase. 
Jasper Morton was not present. After the opening speeches 
came the evidence. The State’s Attorney said that he would 
first show the existence of a conspiracy to commit the murder 
and charge it upon Stanley Edgcumb. 

Robert Earl was called and told the jury of the lost message 
and the delivery of the envelope on the night of the murder, 
identifying Coulter. 

Imogen came next, telling how the envelope was received 


THE BE TIN I ON. 


445 


and wliat it contained, and of the finding of the lost message. 

Next followed Jarmyn, who told how, the morning after the 
crime was committed, the Chief-of-Police (since deceased) had 
received a letter from Coulter denouncing Edgcumb, and 
describing a certain bill which he suggested might be found 
upon his person, and which was found after his arrest. 

Chloe w^as then called, and the silence of death came over the 
court. Every neck was craned and every ear was strained. She 
was calm and resolute, and met the gaze of Lladame Kenaud, 
Pintard and Coulter, unflinchingly. She told the story of her 
relations with Coulter ; of her suspicions, and the manner in 
which she had learned of the affair; of Coulter being at the 
house on the night of the crime ; of his going away with Pintard 
and Vitellius; of their return later in the evening; of the 
descent of the police and the flight into the tunnel. She told 
how she had, at Coulter’s request, disguised herself and testified 
at the Edgcumb trial as being the I'oom-mate of James Kye ; 
how Coulter had told her upon that occasion that she need 
never fear any trouble from Kye. Chloe then finished by describ- 
ing Pintard’s proposal to extort money from Coulter ; and the 
story of Kye’s abduction and fate which she had obtained from 
him, ostensibly for that purpose. 

Coulter turned with a scowl upon Pintard. He saw that even 
the companion of his miserable fate had also conspired against 
him. Hedged about by the enemies of his own creation, he 
knew not where to turn, or where to look for a single human 
soul to give him comfort. 

Madame Renaud then made her confession. It was corrobora- 
tive of Chloe’s evidence. The story of the conspiracy was told 
in a plain, blunt manner, without any attempt to conceal her 
complicity. 

The cross-examination by the defense developed nothing in 
their behalf. The State having closed its case, a few moments 
of consultation ensued between the counsel ai^d prisoners, after 
which the former stated that no evidence would be offered by 
the defense, but instead, the case would be permitted to go to 
the jury after the closing arguments were heard. 

It was a most unexpected contraction of the trial. 

The jury having retired, Jarmyn left the court-room in great 


446 


THE LUKE OF ABCANUM. 


haste, and Governor Davids left his seat by the judge and took 
another near the State’s Attorney. Half an hour having suf- 
ficed for the jury to prepare their verdict, it was read to the 
court. It pronounced the culprits guilty, and imposed the 
death penalty, as was expected, even by the prisoners them- 
selves. 

At this juncture a gentleman, finely attired and of dis- 
tinguished presence, was seen making his way toward the table 
before which Governor Davids and the State’s Attorney were 
sitting. He seemed to command the attention of all in the 
room. Even the judge, who was about to make some remark 
to the jury, paused at the sight of the stranger. The prisoners, 
who had appeared insouciant over the reading of the verdict, 
lost what momentary interest they may have had in it by bis 
appearance. Jarinyn, who was again seen leaning upon the 
railing, looked on interestedly, his face beaming with smiles. 
Governor Davids rose as the gentleman approached, and shook 
his hand ; then, tinning, addressed the court : 

Your honor : I trust that you will pardon this interruption, 
but I desire to present to you our distinguished fellow-citizen, 
Jasper Morton, who has been facetiously called the ^ Duke of 
Arcanum.’ Mr. Morton has an important statement to make, 
which has some bearing upon this case.” 

Morton made a profound bow, which was suitably recognized 
by the judge. The latter having signified his willingness to 
listen, Morton spoke in clear and measured tones: 

“ Your Honor : By the trial which has just been brought to a 
close the public has had recalled an incident which happened 
one evening in the closing days of August, 1870. A man was on 
trial for his life, charged with the murder of this same Mancel 
Tewkes, for which these persons have been tried and convicted. 
Just as the jury entered the room a terrific thunder-storm burst 
from the clouds. Whether or not it was a just interposition of 
Providence in behalf of an innocent man, at any rate, even then, 
as the clerk read the words w^hich pronounced that terrible ver- 
dict, a thunder-bolt stretched the State’s Attorney -lifeless upon 
the floor. In the confusion which followed the prisoner made 
his escape. Escaped for what? to cast himself into the lake 
and die the miserable death of a suicide? No; escaped to live 


mm ION. 


447 


and toha^e honor restored to his name; and that game man now 
stands before you vindicated^ and demands that justice, tardy 
though it be, shall absolve the responsibility which was wrong- 
fully charged upon him for the commission of that horrible 
crime. I, Stanley Edgcumb, now surrender myself and claim 
the immunity which the law guarantees to an innocent 
person. 

There was a tremendous commotion in the court-room. Imo- 
gen, who could no longer restrain herself from the excitement 
under which she had been laboring since G-oTernor Davids^ 
announcement that her husband was Jasper Morton, the Duke 
of Arcanum, sprang forward, threw herself into Morton’s arms, 
and exclaimed: “Yes; you are my husband, and you are 
vindicated at last! ” 

Chloe and llobert Earl were speechless with surprise, while 
Coulter, blanching to the whiteness of death, trembled in his chair 
like an aspen leaf. There was a sudden change apparent, for 
with a startling wildness, his eyes wandered about and then set- 
tled upon Edgcumb with a fixed and glassy stare. His reason 
had bed; he had gone utterly mad. 

Whether or not Coulter thought that the dead had returned 
to haunt him, or the memories of that terrible night with the 
ghost of Stanley Edgcumb bursting upon his mind with unex- 
pected suddenness had unseated his reason, will never be 
known. The probabilities are that dissipation had robbed his 
mind of the vigor which was essential to sustain it in so great a 
shock, so that when it came he fell into a helpless state of 
insanity. 

As soon as order was restored. Governor Davids was observed 
to take a paper from his pocket, and a pen from the table and 
write. He wrote merely his signature and the date, and then 
addressed the court : 

“ Your Honor : This will settle the matter. Justice should 
not be denied this man for even a moment. Let the clerk 
read it.” 

Upon the judge’s instructions the clerk read the document, 
which proved to be a full pardon ; after which, taking the paper 
from the clerk’s hands, the Governor presented it to Edgcumb 


448 


THE DUKE OF AliCANUM. 


Tvith the remark: I desire to present this with my own hands. 

It is most worthily bestowed. 

Edgcumb thanked the Governor and then embraced his chil- 
dren. Paget and Geryl could scarcely realize all they had wit- 
nessed. Least of all, that the strange man who had attracted 
so much attention, and who had just kissed them, was their 
father. Geryl whispered to her mother : “ Mamma, that is 

the man who gave me the letter to take to you. 

“ Yes, darling, that is your father. He has been gone a long 
time, and has come back to us.^^ 

“ But that gentleman called him the ^Duke of Arcanum,^ 
said Paget. “ Is it the same ^Duke of Arcanum ^ that you have 
told us so much about 

Yes, dear, the same one. 

“ How can the ‘ Duke of Arcanum,^ who is so rich, be my 
father 

It seems like a fable, doesn^t it, child ? I hardly know 
myself how it is, but it is true. He is your father, though j the 
same one who was taken away from us, and whom we thought 
was dead. 

Stanley did not hear this conversation, as he was talking to 
Chloe, who was sitting near. 

The judge called the court to order, and Edgcumb, with his 
family, retired, followed by Chloe and Hobert Earl. As the 
party emerged from the court-house they saw two vehicles 
waiting at the curb. One was the magnificent equipage of the 

Duke of Arcanum,’^ drawn by the beautiful creams; the other 
an ordinary public conveyance. The coachman opened the door 
and Edgcumb assisted his wife and children into his own car- 
riage, springing lightly after them. Chloe and Eobert entered 
the other, and the two carriages rolled aw’ay. In due course of 
time both drew^ up before Marcellus Dunne’s house and the 
party alighted. Chloe was closely veiled. Edgcumb led the 
way up the steps and rang the door-bell. The summons was 
promptly answ^ered, and in a moment they found themselves 
seated in the parlor. They had not long to wait ere the cuitains 
parted and Marcellus Dunne appeared in his perambulating 
chair, wheeled by his faithful wile. 

Edgcumb rose and saluted them, saying : I beg pardon, sir. 


THE REUNION. 44D 

for this intrusion. It is so long since we have met that you may 
have forgotten me. 

Oh^ nO; no, sir,^^ replied the cripple, his face wreathed in 
smiles, it is not possible to forget our benefactors. The image 
of your face has been indelibly stamped upon my memory since 
the day you lifted me from the gutter, penniless and ragged, 
and brought me to this comfortable home. I looked at you 
doubtingly, as I feared you would never come again. Mr. Mor- 
ton, believe me, I am overjoyed to see you.^^ 

I have derived more credit, my friend, both from yourself 
and the public, than I deserve for the act to which you refer, 
said Stanley. 

“ I am blind to such a view of the matter, Marcellus Dunne 
answered, firmly. 

Well, it is part of my errand here to-day to enlighten you. 
I shall no longer be known as the ^ Duke of Arcanum,^ for hence- 
forth there will be no mystery about me. Neither am I Jasper 
Morton, as you suppose, but Stanley Edgcumb, the man who 
bore you away upon his shoulders after you made that terrible 
leap from the opera house. 

My God ! is it possible? Then I owe my life to you. Tell 
me, Mr. Morton^ do you mean what you say ? 

Marcellus Dunne leaned eagerly forward in his chair as ho 
heard the words which fell from Edgcumb^s lips. There was a 
remarkable glow of excitement in his eyes. Nor was he alone 
thus affected, for all in the room were breathless as the state- 
ment was made. 

“ Yes, Mr. Dunne, I am in earnest. But you are not indebted 
to me for your life. No, I tried to save you, but I could not do 
it. Had I succeeded, matters would have been very different 
from what they are now. Listen, I will tell you. When you 
fell upon the pavement I thought that you were dead. I rushed 
to your side and seeing signs of life I spoke to you. You 
answered in a feeble voice, ^Save me and the box — I will 
reward you.^ I managed to get you upon my shoulders, and 
with the battered box held by my teeth made my way through 
a sea of fire to Wabash Avenue. Here I saw some wheel-bar- 
rows in a store which had been pillaged, and laying you down 
upon the walk I procured one, placed you upon it the best I 

29 


450 


THE DUKE OF ABCANUM. 


could and started for the river. You had become insensible. 
As I wheeled you into River street a number of looters came 
along, and one of them, seeing the box in the barrow by your 
side, snatched it and turned back into Wabash Avenue. I knew 
that the box contained something of value, from your anxiety to 
save it, and dropping the handles of the barrow I turned to 
overtake the thief. I had a long chase, but I succeeded in 
recovering the box and started back to succor you. Judge of 
my horror, as I approached the locality where I had left you, to 
lind everything in flames, and that it was impossible, by any 
means whatever, to reach you. I supposed that you had per- 
ished. Not until the next morning did I open the box, when, to 
my amazement, I found that it contained fifty thousand dollars ! 
I was poor then — an outcast, a refugee from justice, under sen- 
tence of death. I have made good use of the money. It was 
the nucleus of the millions which I now possess. It was by a 
mere circumstance that I discovered you, and I was thankful for 
the opportunity to make a restitution, adding something for the 
use of the money. I could not tell you then, because the agents 
of the law were on my track, and it would, perhaps, have cost 
me my life to have done so. Mr. Dunne, I have availed myself 
of the first opportunity to inform you of the truth. This very 
day — almost within this very hour— I have been vindicated and 
exonerated by the conviction of the real perpetrators of the 
crime, and pardoned by the Governor.” 

Marcellus Dunne was completely overcome by the strange 
story of the “Duke of Arcanum,” as he was accustomed to 
speak of him. 

“ Well, sir,” said he, “ I have seen some wonderful things in 
my life. I have heard some marvelous stories in my time, but 
this exceeds anything which I have seen, heard or dreamed of. 
As Jasper Morton, the friend and benefactor of the poor, you 
possessed my love and admiration. If it were possible to add 
to the admiration in which 1 have held you, this heroic strug- 
gle, these noble acts excite the very acme of esteem in my 
bosom.” 

Edgcumb saw, by the moisture which had gathered in the 
cripple^s eyes, that it was no idle praise which came from him, 
but a sentiment which welled up, pure and fresh, from the 


THE BE UN ION. 


451 


depths of his heart. Madam Dunne covered her eyes with her 
handkerchief. A sob came from Chloe. Stepping to the side 
of the wheeled chair and taking Marcellus Dunne by the hand, 
Edgcumb addressed him and his wife: 

“ My friendS; be cheerful. I have come here to-day to make 
you happy. During the long search which I have made to find 
evidence that would establish my innocence, strange to say, I 
found this young woman, who was capable of exonerating me 
and of convicting those who were guilty of the crime. I now 
restore to you your long-lost daughter. Behold and embrace 
her.^^ 

Tearing her veil from, her face, Chloe now rushed forward 
and threw herself upon Marcellus Dunne^s neck, uttering, in 
tones of anguish, but one word: 

Father 

What emotions, though, did that single word convey to the 
breast of the parent, who, for the first time in years beheld his 
wayward child I How swift the memories of the past came 
rushing back to him at the pronunciation of that word ! The 
ear had lost its familiarity with the sound, but it struck a deep 
and responsive chord in his heart. 

My child! my child 1^^ cried Marcellus Dunne in a husky, 
trembling voice, pressing her closely to his bosom. Are you 
still spared to your poor, helpless father?^’ 

Chlotilda 1'^ shrieked Madam Dunne, who was still standing 
behind her husband’s chair. 

'‘Yes, mother,” and releasing herself from her father’s 
embrace, Chloe threw herself into her mother’s arms. Then 
from the mother back to the father and back again to the 
mother she flew in an ecstasy of joy, as if wholly irresponsible 
for her actions. 

" Mr. Dunne,’’ said Edgcumb, as soon as the overjoyed father 
showed signs of returning equanimity, " your happiness is only 
equalled by my own. This has been a day of reunions. It has 
restored to me my wife and children, and to you your daughter. 
Let us be happy. I will now present my family to you, then we 
will retire and leave you unrestrained in your happiness.” 

After passing through the formalities of introductions and con- 


452 


THE DUKE OF ARCANU3I. 


gratulations, the Edgcumbs, with Robert, returned to their car- 
riage and were driven to their palatial mansion. 

The astounding revelation to Imogen that she was the wife of 
Jasper Morton, the Duke of Arcanum, had its effect still 
more heightened as she entered her future home. She had 
heard and read much of the stately manner in which he lived, 
surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries which wealth can 
bestow, but her imagination fell far short of the reality. It was 
too much; too sudden a transition from one extreme to another, 
between which there existed such an immeasurable gulf, and 
being dazed, she sank into Stanley's arms exclaiming: “Oh, 
Stanley, is it possible? Is it all real? Is is it true that this is 
to be my home?^^ 

“ Yes, Imogen, it is true. Come and let me show you what is 
responsible for it all ; and Edgcumb led the way to the art- 
room. “ There, said he as they stood before the Raphael, “ do 
you recognize that face? Did you ever see it before?’^ 

“ Why, it looks like mamma, cried Paget and Geryl, simul- 
taneously. Stanley smiled. Imogen gazed at the face some 
moments before replying. “ Yes, Stanley, I could almost fancy 
I were looking in a mirror. 

“ Well, it was from that face that I derived the inspiration 
which has led to the results which you see. It was then in the 
Louvre at Paris. Deprived of looking into your dear face, 
Imogen, I have found daily comfort and inspiration in gazing at 
the image which is such a truthful likeness of you; but now I 
shall gain my inspiration from the living, not the ideal. And 
finishing the sentence he drew her to his breast. Resting her 
head upon his shoulder, her beautiful eyes, soulful and thank- 
ful, were raised to his. It was the beatitude of human hap- 
piness. 


THE END. 



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